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Evaluating News Sources

A guide to evaluating news for credibility

Information Ecosystem

"To understand the current information ecosystem, we need to [understand] three elements:

  1. The different types of content that are being created and shared
  2. The motivations of those who create this content
  3. The ways this content is being disseminated."

Wardle, C. (2017, February 16). Fake news. It's complicated (opens in a new window). First Draft. Retrieved from https://firstdraftnews.org/fake-news-complicated/ (opens in new window) © Council of Europe.

The Different Types of Mis- and Disinformation

7 Types of Mis- and Disinformation Infographic

Wardle, C. (2017, February 16). Fake news. It's complicated (opens in a new window). First Draft. Retrieved from https://firstdraftnews.org/fake-news-complicated/ (opens in new window) © Council of Europe.

Why is this type of content being created?

Misinformation Matrix Infographic

Wardle, C. (2017, February 16). Fake news. It's complicated (opens in a new window). First Draft. Retrieved from https://firstdraftnews.org/fake-news-complicated/ (opens in new window) © Council of Europe.

How does this type of content spread?

  • "Some of it is being shared unwittingly by people on social media, clicking retweet without checking.
  • Some of it is being amplified by journalists who are now under more pressure than ever to try and make sense and accurately report information emerging on the social web in real time.
  • Some of it is being pushed out by loosely connected groups who are deliberately attempting to influence public opinion.
  • Some of it is being disseminated as part of sophisticated disinformation campaigns, through bot networks and troll factories (opens in a new window)."

Wardle, C. (2017, February 16). Fake news. It's complicated (opens in a new window). First Draft. Retrieved from https://firstdraftnews.org/fake-news-complicated/ (opens in new window) © Council of Europe.