5 Fact checking sites to use

Have you ever received a Facebook post or a Tweet from a well-meaning friend or relative that appears to be reasonable and true on a quick read and you send it on? I used to that but I try not to do it anymore. There is so much fake information masquerading as the truth that we need to be careful about what we send out to our friends and family. The fake news is designed to hit our hot buttons, getting us to react with emotion and to take action. I have issues that I am passionate about as do most of us, and we do react when our hot buttons are pushed.

I am recommending that before you send on the news you have just received you take the time to check to see if it is true or fake. By doing so, you will save yourself from being embarrassed, when your friends tell you and everyone you have sent the news to that it is fake. Here are the top 5 fact-checking resources that will help you determine if the information you just received is true or false.

TOP 5 FACT-CHECKING RESOURCES

The search for factual information is endless in the digital age. Here are five fact-checking resources we rely on to help us tackle rumours and misinformation.

SNOPES

Snopes.com investigates all types of information online. including urban legends. myths and rumours.

POLITIFACT

PolitiFact uses the Truth-O-Meter to evaluate statements made by elected officials, political candidates. activists and more.

FACTCHECK.ORG

Factcheck.org seeks to combine aspects of both journalism and scholarship to provide accurate information to media consumers.

AMERICAN PRESS INSTITUTE

The American Press Institutes new project provides vetted resources for fact-checkers and journalists.

WASHINGTON POST FACT CHECKER

Journalist Glenn Kessler responds to questions from the public and rates statements on a scale one to four "Pinocchios."