AI and Spotting Fake News Online

Online, not every story is true. AI can help you check facts, but you still need to think for yourself.

Some examples

• Ask AI 'Is this news from a trusted source?'
• Look at two or three news sites for the same story.
• Check the date — old news can fool people.
• Ask a parent if a story makes you scared.

Try it!

Show a parent a news headline. Together, look up two more sources to see if it's real.

How to Tell If a Story Online Is Real or Fake

Not everything online is true. Fake news is information that looks like real news but was made up or exaggerated to get clicks or spread a false idea. AI tools can now create fake news stories very quickly — complete with realistic-sounding details. That makes spotting fake news a skill everyone needs. Three checks that help: first, check the source — does the story come from a well-known, trusted news organization? Second, check other sources — do two or three other news sites report the same thing? If only one website has the story, be suspicious. Third, check the date — old news stories get shared as if they're new, which can fool people. AI can help you research whether a story is from a real source, but your thinking is still required. If a story feels made to shock you or make you very angry, that's a reason to stop and check before sharing.

• Check the source: does the story come from a trusted news organization?
• Check other sources: do at least two or three other sites report the same story?
• Check the date: old stories sometimes circulate as if they're new news
• If a story makes you very angry or scared, that's a reason to fact-check before sharing