FAKE NEWS | Geaux Vote LSU

Join us at a Panel Discussion

Panelists Include

Cameron Harris

Fake News Prodigal Son

Aaron Sharockman

PolitiFact

Sydney Smith

iMediaEthic

Jarvis DeBerry

Nola.com, The Times-Picayune

Len Apcar

Manship School of Mass Communication

John Maxwell Hamilton

Manship School of Mass Communication

Lance Porter

Manship School of Mass Communication

Come by to hear media experts talk about their thoughts on fake news. The panel discussion will include members of major media studies groups, Manship School of Mass Communication professors, representatives of local media and a fake news prodigy.

Email us if you have any questions. Refreshments will be provided.

Press inquiries can contact lsugeauxvote@gmail.com.

FAKED OUT

Detecting Fake News in a Media-Driven Society

Fake News is a hot topic after the 2016 election highlighted the flaws in online news consumption. The widespread use of social media has led to false information permeating users news feeds. With the click of a button, false information can be shared with hundreds of thousands of followers.

In addition to being responsible, informed citizens, we must ensure that the information we receive is true.

To combat fake news, consider these tips before pressing share.

Check the URL

Search Images

Verify Sources

Make sure the URL is a legit news source. Fake news sites may slightly alter a common web address to fool more readers. For example, ABC News URL is abc.go.com. A fake news website was listed as abc.com.co.

If the image seems unrealistic, double check to make sure it is real. Google Images has a feature to search a picture. Just drag and drop to see if the photo has been used in other possible fake stories or is clearly Photoshopped.

Identify the original source. Double check that source to see if it is legit. If you don’t see the story on reputable news sources, the story might be fake.

Headline

Author

Date

Satire

If the headline is outlandish and provocative, consider if the story is unrealistic.

Read a little about the author. Make sure he or she exhibits a reasonable journalism background with credentials and past articles.

The story may be real, but consider the date to see if the story is outdated.

If the story is unrealistic and uses fake sources, it may be satire. Look deeper into the website to find the intention of the stories.

Confirmation Bias

A reader is more likely to put stock in information that confirms their personal opinions. Examine the article carefully to make sure it is fact before you share.

Sometimes news can be very deceiving. What may look like a reliable news source could actually be fake. Look closely at the technical elements of your news page to make sure the website and content are legitimate. Then take a look at elements of the article to make sure the news isn't misleading.

Evaluating Content

Verify sources using

IMVAIN

Verifying sources is one of the best determinants of fake news. A source should be clear and legitimate for news to be considered factual. The IMVAIN test was developed to examine sources. Follow these steps to ensure your news is reliable.

Independent

Is the source of the article independent?

Who says this and how do they know?

Multiple

Is the topic covered by other reputable sources? Are these reputable sources quoted?

Verifiable

Is the information corroborated by others?

Authoritative/Informed

Are the sources and the writer experts? Do they have the necessary information to report on the topic? Do these people know what they are talking about?

Named

Are the sources for the information named or anonymous? Are these sources legit?

Install a Chrome Extension

A Chrome Extension is an add on feature to the Google Chrome Internet browser. Install a Chrome Extension that can help alert you to news that may be fake. These helpful apps may save you from being the person who contaminates everyones' newsfeed with FAKE NEWS.

FiB: Stop Living a Lie

FiB sorts through users' newsfeeds to verify updates, links and images. The extension also alerts you if you are about to post false or unverified information.