Misinformation
What is the definition of misinformation?
False or inaccurate information that is mistakenly or inadvertently created or spread. The intent is NOT to deceive.
What is the definition of disinformation?
False information that is deliberately created and spread “in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.”
What is a fact checking website you can use?
You can use Snopes.com, PolitiFact.com, FactCheck.org, and others.
What is a credible source that has been around for a long time?
The New York Times is a news company that publish article both on paper and online. It has been around for about 170 years being founded in 1851.
When is the first account of fake news?
63 BC when Octavian spread lies about Marc Antony to win the War of Actium.
How is misinformation spread?
When false information is taken as the truth, and spread unknowingly.
How is disinformation spread?
It is spread mostly through internet news sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, and fake news sites online.
What is lateral reading?
Search online for the sources and facts the news site used and see if anything comes up. Verify all claims and check the credibility of the site itself.
What is a credible source in proximity to Massachusetts?
The Boston Globe is a news company that is credible and based in Boston.
When did fake news become pertinent?
The 2016 presidential debate.
Why is misinformation harmful?
Fake news has the power to shape public opinion and even sway elections.
Why is disinformation harmful?
It is purposely made to be fake and inform the public of false information to gain influence or make the outcome of an important event.
What is checking citations?
A citation is like an attribution made to another source where an article got its information from. By checking where they got the information and the information itself you can prove if a site is truthful or not.
The Washington Post is another credible news site that is online and printed.
Is fake news still around today?
Yes. Have you not been paying attention?