About Fake News - With Examples! - Fake News (and what to do about it!)

What is fake news?

"Fake news" is a type of misinformation that refers to information from non-news sources circulated with the intent to mislead or to make money. Fake news is unsupported by credible, verifiable evidence, and typically spreads quickly and broadly due to the efficiency and reach of social media.

What makes a news story fake?

Recognize the signs:

The story can't be verified or found anywhere else.
The story appeals to emotion.
The story is found on fake news websites.
The story's authors aren't experts.

Larger context of fake news: Misinformation

Fake news exists within a larger context, often described as misinformation. Misinformation is a false story that is inadvertently created or spread but without the intent to deceive. Fake news differs from other types of misinformation in that fake news is fabricated, and designed and spread with the specific intent of making a profit. Many types of fake news circulate constantly, but fake news is a very old concept that simply has become more accessible via the web. The graph below identifies and defines types of fake news; find visual examples of each type under the "Examples of Fake News" tab.

Image created by Sarah Wasko

Last updated on Jul 1, 2025 2:19 PM