📰 How to Play Fake News Detector
Fake News Detector challenges your media literacy. Each round presents a news headline. Your task is to judge whether the headline is Real (published by a legitimate news organisation) or Fake (fabricated, misleading, or satirical). Click the Real or Fake button to register your verdict. There are 10 headlines per game. Your final score, accuracy percentage, and fact-checker rank are shown at the end.
The game draws from real headlines from credible sources and fabricated headlines that mimic news style. Some are subtle — real headlines can sound sensational, and fake ones can sound measured. Your rank ranges from “Easily Misled” to “Fact-Checker Pro”.
Warning Signs of Fake News
- Sensational language: Words like “SHOCKING”, “YOU WON’T BELIEVE”, or excessive capitalisation are red flags.
- Vague sourcing: “Experts say” or “Studies show” without naming who or which study is a warning sign.
- Emotional manipulation: Headlines designed to make you angry or frightened bypass critical thinking.
- Implausible claims: If the claim contradicts established science or defies common sense, be sceptical.
- Check the source: In real life, always look at who published the story and whether other reputable outlets confirm it.
Why Media Literacy Matters
According to a 2022 Reuters Digital News Report, over 56% of people worry about distinguishing real news from fake news online. Misinformation spreads six times faster than accurate news on social media (MIT, 2018). Developing the habit of questioning headlines before sharing is one of the most valuable digital skills a person can build in the modern information environment.