How To Be Media Literate
Be curious.
- Independently verify the source (by performing a separate search) and independently verify the information (through mainstream news sources and fact-checking sites).
Be reflective.
- If you have an immediate emotional reaction to a news article or source: pause, reflect, investigate. Exciting an emotional reaction is a primary goal of fake news producers. Do not be part of a viral fake news spiral!
Actively investigate your news sources.
- Select news sources known for high-quality, investigative reporting. Search these sources directly. Don't settle for web search results or social media news feeds. Social media algorithms are designed to present the news that reinforces your current views, not a balanced view.
Look for in-depth coverage.
- Look for lengthy articles--long-form reporting--that better capture the complexity of topics and events. One or two paragraphs is not sufficient. read beyond the headline. This article from Slate is an example of long-form political reporting.
Protect your privacy and support independent journalism.
- Use user-funded nonprofit news or cooperative news sources
Verify a News: Four Reliable Fact-Checking Sites
Contact Information for this Guide
Use and Reuse Conditions for this LibGuide
Please review and follow our use conditions if you are interested in using or reusing any of the content of this LibGuide. Linking to any part of this LibGuide does not require our permission.