"Literally" Media Literate
Snopes and PolitiFact are examples of this type of website used to see if a story is actually true.
What are fact-checking sites?
This is the term for a "catchy" or exaggerated headline designed specifically to make you click so a website can make money.
What is clickbait?
Even though they aren't perfect, these types of sources follow ethical journalism rules and issue corrections when they mess up.
What are credible sources?
If a news website doesn't have one of these explicit statements explaining their reporting standards, it's a major "red flag" for the reader.
What is an Editorial Policy (or Code of Ethics)?
Since these can be outrageous just to get clicks, you should always "read beyond" them to get the whole story.
What are headlines?
If a news story makes you feel angry, shocked, happy, and/or validated right away, you should do this before you hit the "share" button to avoid a "viral spiral."
What are pause, reflect, and investigate?
While "misinformation" is an accidental mistake, this term describes false info spread with the specific intent to mislead people.
What is disinformation?
This term describes sources that promote scientifically false, unverifiable, or "conspiracy theory" claims.
What is junk science?
According to the SPJ Code of Ethics, journalists should always do this to mistakes—doing it both "promptly and prominently."
What is correct them?
Under the principle of "Be Accountable," journalists are encouraged to expose this type of conduct even if it happens within their own news organization.
What is unethical conduct?
You should avoid relying on these for news because their algorithms are designed to reinforce your current views rather than provide a balanced perspective.
What are social media news feeds?
This "fake" category uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to comment on the news—think The Onion.
What is satire?
If a news source only tells the truth when it supports a specific candidate or agenda, it is considered this type of source.
What is political (or biased)?
To ensure accuracy, the SPJ code says journalists should use these "first-hand" accounts or documents whenever possible.
What are original sources?
Before judging a story, you should "Check Your" own __________, (internal beliefs or leanings that might affect your judgment of the information).
What are biases?
To ensure you are getting the full complexity of a topic, you should look for this type of reporting instead of just reading the headline.
What is long-form reporting (or in-depth coverage)?
These are highly realistic videos created with AI software to show people saying or doing things that never actually happened.
What are deepfakes? (Also accept: shallowfakes)
This broad term refers to content that is entirely fabricated or grossly distorted to deceive the reader.
What is fake news?
The principle of "Minimizing Harm" suggests that these people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures do.
Who are private people?
To verify a story's claims, the infographic suggests you click on these to see if the info actually supports the main story.
What are supporting sources (or links)?
This is the term for user-funded, non-profit news organizations like the Associated Press (AP) or ProPublica.
What is independent journalism?
This is the name for "news" sources in repressive or authoritarian countries that are controlled by the government to spread propaganda.
What is state-sponsored false information?
This category includes sites that exist primarily to promote racism, misogyny, or other forms of exclusion and bias.
What is hate on the internet?
This four-word foundational principle of the SPJ encourages journalists to be "accurate and fair" while being "honest and courageous" in gathering info.
What is Seek Truth and Report It?
Ethical newsrooms must clearly label these, such as "Letters to the Editor" or "Editorials", so they aren't confused with factual news reporting.
What is commentary (or advocacy/opinion)?