Concerns about fake news are increasingly dominating the headlines and studies have shown that students often have difficulty evaluating the truth of resources.
Hoaxy from the University of Indiana visualises the spread of fake news stories online.
Recently the New York-based institute Data & Society published a report Media Manipulation and Disinformation Online which examines the phenomenon. It states that over reliance by news outlets on social media ‘novelty over newsworthiness’ makes them vulnerable to extremist viewpoints.
The Shorenstein Center has recently published an agenda for action based on the outcome of a conference held in February.
The field Guide to Fake News, a project of First Draft, is exploring the use of digital methods to trace the production, circulation and reception of fake news online. Sample chapters can be downloaded free online. These cover such topics as how Facebook propagates fake news and how to trace the circulation of fake news online.
Guides for journalists and members of the public include Amnesty International stop fake – how to verify Youtube videos
Other useful fact checking sites include:
- Full fact for the UK
- Factcheck.org (USA) which is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
- Politifact truth o meter from USA
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