Real News or… Fake?​ Can you tell the difference?

Is this an authentic headline?

“A panel of healthcare experts discussed ‘Disease X’ at Davos. But it’s only a hypothetical illness.”

• Real

• Fake

Answer explanation

A news article had emerged about a new contagion, Disease X, that was supposedly deadly. However, it was soon reported that this was a name given to an imaginary disease that is being used to help prepare for any health-related epidemics/pandemics. This information was spun to make it seem like a new disease was emerging, something that would have frightened anyone who read this as truthful information.

Is this an authentic headline?

“School bans parents from sports day for bad behaviour.”

• Real

• Fake

Answer explanation

This headline refers to a ban a school had to institute due to parents who were misbehaving during their children’s sports day events. The bad behaviour included threatening staff members and getting too competitive.

Is this an authentic headline?

“An otter in Santa Cruz is hassling surfers – and stealing their boards.”

• Real

• Fake

Answer explanation

An otter in California is has been attacking surfers and stealing their surfboards. The otter has also been destroying the surfboards by chewing on them. It was successfully driven away from the area but has since returned and wildlife officials are trying to capture as it is dangerous.

Is this an authentic headline?

“Over-the-counter cold and cough medications are being pulled from drugstore shelves in an effort to start the ‘next pandemic’ or force people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”

• Real

• Fake

Answer explanation

Some cold and cough medications are being removed due to an ingredient that was found to be ineffective. This move has nothing to do with the COVID-19 vaccine and was instead fuelled by conspiracy theories surrounding the virus and the efficacy of the vaccine.

Is this headline authentic?

“NASA is installing internet on the moon.”

• Real

• Fake

Answer explanation

NASA is actually installing a 4G network that will help them operate lunar robots that are being placed on the moon. This story was reported by many reputable news sources.

Is this an authentic headline?

“A university banned the use of capital letters to avoid scaring students.”

• Real

• Fake

Answer explanation

This was a false headline that was created by a website that misreported a set of instructions that Leeds Trinity University had sent to their students. The email was intended to follow best practices to help instructors and professors to inform their teaching methodologies.

Why do you think people spread fake news stories?