By Lauren Harris
The Eagle’s Eye
Eisenhower HS
1st Place
Division1, News Writing
Editorial
Extra, extra read all about it. Fake news spreads like wildfire and social media users feed the flames.
As the social media generation, we need to be smarter about the content we read on these networks. Facebook faced scrutiny for the seemingly billions of faux stories during the recent presidential election. People were furious with the company and insisted the stories swayed results of the election.
What’s found on the Internet might follow readers into the real world, too. False information may jeopardize grades dependent on research, so source validation needs to be considered when working on an assignment. Those blaming fake news for misinforming them time-and-time again need to take it into their own hands.
And don’t let just one article sway personal opinion— that’s just wrong. Online, people find the knowledge to support how they feel; so take time to actually look for unbiased and accurate sources.
There are steps to follow in order to ensure valid news. Take initiative. Start fact checking. Learn to weed out faux news.
First, check the source. Social media is full of phony accounts claiming to be real. If the source sounds sketchy or fails to provide reputable sources within the article, then there’s a good chance it’s fake. Skip, block and report accounts producing false news— they aren’t worth reading.
Second, check the profile or source who provided the link. If it’s a verified account, like NPR, then keep reading. Start questioning credibility if the account produces few followers, likes and retweets. People don’t need these accounts in mass circulation.
Just because it’s on the Internet doesn’t mean it’s true.
Take extra time to research and find information from more than just one source. If a fake news account is found, don’t feed the flame. Exposing others to fake news will create a world full of ignorant people.
While reading any story online, stop and think. Does this ,ale semse? Does it sound full of opinion? If so, reader beware.
Extinguish the flames. Stop fake news.