Today's Assignment
Using the attached worksheet, please review a website from the Google search we conduct in class.
1. The Google search should be done on the following key words: gun control
For Pommerenke: Syrian refugee crisis
For Chan: Search on your topic
2. Choose one of the websites on the first page of results and complete the worksheet as an individual or with a partner (no more than two per worksheet). DO NOT CHOOSE A WIKIPEDIA RESULT!
3. Hand in your conclusions at the end of class.
What's wrong with fake news?
Why should you care about whether or not your news is real or fake?
- You deserve the truth. You are smart enough to make up your own mind - as long as you have the real facts in front of you. You have every right to be insulted when you read fake news, because you are in essence being treated like an idiot.
- Fake news destroys your credibility. If your arguments are built on bad information, it will be much more difficult for people to believe you in the future.
- Fake news can hurt you, and a lot of other people. Purveyors of fake and misleading medical advice like Mercola.com and NaturalNews.com help perpetuate myths like HIV and AIDS aren't related, or that vaccines cause autism. These sites are heavily visited and their lies are dangerous.
- Real news can benefit you. If you want to buy stock in a company, you want to read accurate articles about that company so you can invest wisely. If you are planning on voting in an election, you want to read as much good information on a candidate so you can vote for the person who best represents your ideas and beliefs. Fake news will not help you make money or make the world a better place, but real news can.
*Borrowed from SJSU: http://libguides.sjsu.edu/fake-news/resources