If you’re looking for information that is fake, it’s easy to spot.Fake news is often sensationalized and full of false claims, while real news is based on fact and can be helpful in making informed decisions. If you want to stay safe online, it’s important to be aware of the different types of information out there and be sure to check the source before you share anything.
We’ll look at some of the best fact-checking sites to fight misinformation, focusing on sites that are evidence-based and grounded in science so you can be confident that the information you’re reading and sharing is true.
1. FactCheck.org
The Annenberg Public Policy Center project at the University of Pennsylvania is a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization that uses the best fact-checking sites to monitor politicians’ speeches, television ads, and news releases to keep them honest. ..
FactCheck’s Facebook Initiative helps to keep an eye on the integrity of American politicians by debunking false information shared on the social media. You can also check out our Viral Spiral feature or submit your questions to us.
2. SciCheck.org
FactCheck.org is a website that includes a feature called SciCheck, which is dedicated to fact-checking information about Covid-19 and vaccines. The site includes a project called Covid-19: FactChecking the Facts, which is made up of articles written in English and Spanish. If you hear a scientific claim that makes you scratch your head, head to Covid-19: FactChecking the Facts to see if it’s true.
3. FlackCheck.org
FlackCheck is a website that helps people learn how to identify logical fallacies in arguments. It can also help you learn about the ethics of people or institutions making arguments. ..
4. MediaBiasFactCheck.com
MBFC is a fact-checking website that is designed to be skeptical of the media. While the website’s advertisement-riddled design doesn’t inspire confidence, it is one of the best fact-checking sites for determining media bias. MBFC does go out of its way to inform site visitors that it has no control over which ads are displayed, but the fact remains that there are a LOT of them.)
MBFC is a tool that helps you find sources that are questionable or have a left, left-center, right-center, or right bias. Sources can also be categorized as “conspiracy/pseudoscience” if they sometimes publish unverifiable information or aren’t supported by evidence. MBFC is a tool that helps you find sources that are questionable or have a left, left-center, right-center, or right bias.
MBFC also offers its own Official Media Bias Fact Check Extension for Chrome and Firefox. This extension allows you to quickly and easily check the accuracy of media content by verifying the sources used and the information provided.
5. ReportersLab.org
At the Duke University Reporters’ Lab, you’ll find a database of fact-checking sites as well as a round-up of tools to help you and other fact-checkers…well, check facts. The Reporters’ Lab is housed at the Sanford School of Public Policy. It’ll give you a sense of the state of fact-checking around the world and fact-checking innovations you can look forward to. The interactive map is beneficial if you’re looking for local fact-checking sources. ..
6. Lead Stories
Facebook is partnering with Lead Stories to help fight misinformation on its social media platform. Lead Stories is a site that shows you in real-time what stories, images, and videos are going viral right this minute. It then fact-checks those trending topics for hoaxes. The site is also a member of the #CoronavirusFacts Alliance.
7. BBC Reality Check
The BBC Reality Check team is a group of journalists who work to debunk fake news and misleading information. They look at news stories flagged as false on social media sites like Facebook, and then publish articles with the Reality Check category tag. While you can’t exclusively search for Reality Check articles, if you spend some time reading them, you’ll be in a better position to know the truth. ..
8. TruthOrFiction.com
Truth or Fiction is a fact-checking site that helps you find information on fake news and viral content. The site is straightforward, with a list of claims that includes a rating and more information on the details of the claim.
9. NewsVerifier.Africa
N-VA is a nonprofit organization that was created in 2020 to combat misinformation about Covid-19. The organization worries that the trend of misinformation has widened public distrust in the media and government, so they have created the site to address this issue. ..
Visitors can submit a claim to be fact-checked, listen to the N-VA podcast, or browse through claims. ..
10. Resources for Going Straight to the Source
One workaround is to search for scientific papers on PubMed, a database of medical research. PubMed also has a search bar that lets you filter by journal, article type, and other factors. Another workaround is to use the Web of Science database, which contains articles from more than 50 journals. Finally, some scientists may release embargoed papers through their personal websites or social media accounts.
Registering for an account at jstor.org will give you free access to 100 articles a month. And be sure to see if your local library has a JSTOR account. If so, you may be able to get access to even more. Google Scholar allows you to search for articles by author, title, date, and publication. Contact the author directly if you email them directly and ask for a copy of the journal article they wrote! Scientists are only human and may not always have time to send copies of their articles right away! ..
When you read or hear information, it can affect your actions. By verifying the information you read or hear, you are reducing the cognitive biases that are inherent in each of us. Fact-checking helps us stay skeptical and increase our chances of survival by grounding ourselves in what is proven to be true. So go forth and verify! ..
