Analysing the News
Always maintain a 'healthy skepticism' about information, especially information found online.
When analysing the news and how accurate the information could be, consider the following:
Generally, for events that evoke genuine fear, the spread of false information increases. This can create more confusion and unease, and the public are often faced with uncertainty about what is happening.
When analysing the news and how accurate the information could be, consider the following:
- The source of the news - will there likely be any bias? Why?
- The language used and overall tone of the information - e.g.is it opinionated?
Generally, for events that evoke genuine fear, the spread of false information increases. This can create more confusion and unease, and the public are often faced with uncertainty about what is happening.
Language
Consider the language used in the article.
Examples:
- did someone 'suggest', 'ask', or 'demand'?
- was there an 'attack' or a 'clash' (fair, tit-for-tat competition between two equitable sides)
Examples:
- did someone 'suggest', 'ask', or 'demand'?
- was there an 'attack' or a 'clash' (fair, tit-for-tat competition between two equitable sides)
Examples of Misleading News
The Headlines
"Manchester United Fans Loved What Sir Alex Ferguson Did To His Seat At The Etihad" By Sports Bible
"Manchester United Fans React to Sir Alex Ferguson's 'Heroic' Act in Derby Comeback" By Sports Illustrated |
The Photo
This photo was used in the Sports Bible article.
Sports Illustrated used screenshots of people's Tweets with similar photos. It is carefully cropped to show just Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed Manchester United for 26 years, with his seat covered, while the person next to him appears to not have the Manchester City badge covered (which is Manchester United's rival club) |
The Actual Situation
Most of the chairs have coverings over the Manchester City badges, so it is unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson covered the badge on his chair.
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Fake News
The Space Chorizo (2022)
The following news article was by VICE news French Scientist's Photo of ‘Distant Star’ Was Actually Chorizo (vice.com)
The following news article was by VICE news French Scientist's Photo of ‘Distant Star’ Was Actually Chorizo (vice.com)