Look at this short slideshow to help you determine if the news story you are reading is factual.
Lateral Reading:Before you start close reading - look at other sources of information about the article to find out more about the article, website, blog, newspaper, magazine etc.
Accuracy: Is the information based on sound medical research? (what can you find out about the research with an internet search?)
Authority: Who published the web page? (what can you find out about the publisher with an internet search?)
Bias of Objectivity: What kind of institution sponsored the page? Was it a pharmaceutical company? (check the internet to see if there is anything else published about the person)
Currency or Timeliness: Is there a date on the page? When was the page last updated?
Coverage: Is the information complete? Are there sources given for additional information? (go to the resources if possible)
Always view information with a critical eye. Look up the claims that the news articles produce, as well as the organization and author publishing the story.
Sometimes the way you phrase your search yields biased results. Even if an article might not confirm what you believe, the evidence might be true, and you shouldn't ignore it.
Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation can be found on various platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, radio shows, images, articles, etc.
Images and photographs can also be part of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Sometimes they are edited or digitally manipulated. If you suspect a photo or image of being false, perform a reverse image search using Google images search or Tin Eye.
