About this video

• Video Title: How to Spot Fake News
• Channel: TEDx Talks
• Speakers: Hannah Logue
• Duration: 00:07:15

Overview

This video by Hannah Logue at TEDxYouth@Lancaster explains the prevalence of fake news and provides a framework for identifying it. Logue shares examples of sensationalized fake stories and demonstrates how standard methods for evaluating information can be insufficient. She introduces a new acronym, FABLE, to help viewers critically assess news and encourages self-control in sharing information to combat misinformation.

Key takeaways

• The prevalence of fake news: Sensationalized and fabricated stories are common and can be easily spread, even influencing reputable news outlets.
• Limitations of traditional evaluation methods: The CRAP method (Currency, Reliability, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) can be insufficient in detecting sophisticated misinformation, as seen in the Covington Catholic High School incident.
• Introducing the FABLE method: A new acronym is proposed to help identify fake news:
  • Find: Seek original footage, figures, and research to verify information yourself.
  • Analyze: Examine headlines for emotional manipulation and consider if the article was actually read before sharing.
  • Bias: Recognize how personal biases can influence the acceptance and sharing of stories that fit a desired narrative.
  • Look: Utilize fact-checking websites like Snopes or PolitiFact.
  • Exert self-control: Refrain from sharing information if you are not 100% sure of its accuracy.
• Personal responsibility: Combating the spread of fake news requires individual effort to be skeptical and to verify information before sharing.

Here are five things Hannah Logue said in the video, using different reporting verbs:

1. Logue pointed out that people are capable of conjuring up anything from fictitious freaks of nature to political propaganda and causing others to fall for it.
2. She explained that when we see sensational articles, we often can't wait to read and share them, sometimes without enough skepticism.
3. Logue illustrated how even reputable news outlets can fall for false stories, citing The Onion's satirical article about President Obama's email being used by Fox Nation.
4. She introduced the FABLE acronym as a tool to combat misinformation, breaking down each letter's meaning: Find, Analyze, Bias, Look, and Exert self-control.
5. Logue concluded by emphasizing that it's up to individuals to prevent the spread of fake news and that rising above and being conscious of the impact of shared content can help make accuracy the norm.

Here are the five points rephrased, maintaining the original meaning:

1. Logue highlighted that individuals can invent anything from bizarre natural phenomena to political propaganda, leading others to believe these fabrications.
2. She communicated that sensationalized news prompts an eagerness to read and disseminate it, often without adequate critical evaluation.
3. Logue demonstrated how even trusted media sources can be deceived by fabricated narratives, referencing The Onion's fake article about President Obama that was published by Fox Nation.
4. She presented the FABLE acronym as a strategy against fake news, detailing its components: Find, Analyze, Bias, Look, and Exert self-control.
5. Logue underscored the necessity of personal responsibility in curbing the proliferation of fake news, suggesting that a mindful approach to sharing information can promote accuracy.