How to Tell Real News from Fake News: A Simple Guide

As a librarian, my job has always been to help people find trustworthy information. Today, with the internet and artificial intelligence (AI), that task is more important than ever—especially for those who did not grow up with digital technology. This guide explains, in plain language, how to recognize fake news, how to check if a story is real, and how to be careful when information comes from AI.

1. Be cautious of strong emotional reactions

Fake news is designed to make you react quickly—fear, anger, or shock. Headlines like “They don’t want you to know this,” “Breaking!” or “This changes everything” are warning signs.
A classic library habit still works: pause before believing or sharing.

2. Check who is behind the information

Ask yourself:

• Do I recognize this website or source?

• Is there an author with a real name?

• Is there an “About Us” section?

Reliable news sources are usually transparent about who they are. If you cannot tell who is responsible for the content, be skeptical.

3. Look at the date

Many fake news stories are actually old stories reused to confuse people. Always check:

• When was this published?

• Is it still relevant today?

Old information shared as if it were new can be misleading.

4. See if other sources are reporting the same thing

One of the easiest checks is also one of the most effective. Take the headline and search for it online.
If the story is real, you will usually find it reported by several well-known news outlets. If it only appears on one obscure site or in private messages, that is a red flag.

5. Be careful with images and videos

Photos and videos can be taken out of context or digitally altered. A simple rule:

• If it looks unbelievable, it probably needs verification

You can search an image online to see if it appeared before with a different story. Librarians use this method regularly when verifying visual materials.

6. Separate opinion from facts

Real news focuses on facts and clearly identifies sources. Fake news often mixes opinions with unproven claims.
Phrases like “everyone knows” or “it’s obvious that” are opinions, not evidence.

7. What about information from artificial intelligence?

AI can sound confident and professional, but it can still be wrong. It does not verify facts the way a librarian or journalist does.
When using AI:

• Do not treat it as your only source

• Ask where the information comes from

• Double-check important facts with trusted news outlets

Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not an expert.

8. The key library rule

Never rely on just one source, especially for important topics like health, immigration, money, or politics. Two reliable sources are always better than one.

9. Think before sharing

Before forwarding a story, ask yourself:

• Am I sure this is true?

• Does it inform or just create fear or confusion?

Choosing not to share questionable information is also a responsible decision.

Trusted sources in English and Spanish for people in the United States

From a librarian’s perspective, these are good starting points to verify news:

• Google News (to compare coverage from multiple outlets)

• Major national newspapers and public media

• Established Spanish-language outlets serving U.S. communities

• International news organizations with strong editorial standards

Final thoughts

You do not need to be a technology expert to avoid fake news. With calm thinking, common sense, and a few library-style habits—checking sources, comparing information, and questioning sensational claims—you can navigate today’s information world with confidence and help others do the same.