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    6) How do I tell if information is real?

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  • It's important to make sure the facts you believe and share are real.

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    It can be hard to tell what's real and not real, especially online.

  • But don't worry! There are key ways to tell if information is factual.

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  • First: check the source of the information.

    • Is the account or website a verified news outlet?

    • Is the user a journalist or certified expert in a field?

    If so, then it's probably real information.

  • Next, check if the information is a fact or an opinion.

  • A fact will be worded in a non-biased way with proof of where the information came from. Always look for attributions and citations when you examine anything that claims to be a fact.

  • In news articles, facts are always attributed to a source of information. facts often include numbers and statistics.

  • If a fact seems too crazy or too good to be true, double-check with a second source to verify the information.

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    An opinion means it is someone's thoughts on a topic. opinions have biased and strongly worded language such as "I love" or "I hate."

  • opinions can be found in quotations in news articles. Journalists often cite the opinions of experts or relevant people to the news story to add context.

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  • Remember: An opinion is not a fact. It's important to form your own opinions based on facts.

  • Some articles are opinion pieces, which are also called columns, commentary, or even editorials. These pieces mean that the writer offers an opinion.

  • opinion pieces can add perspective to a factual news piece, but it does *not* replace the factual reporting and writing that news journalists do.

  • This kind of thinking applies to social media, especially posts from friends and family that claim to have facts but don't include any sources or citations.

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    Always double-check your information! Whether it's a social media post, opinion, or news article.

  • You'll be a fact-checking, news expert in no time!