Best websites for verifying Web rumors
Three online watchdogs and myth-busting sites
Snopes.com is “probably the most popular and trusted online watchdog.” Just caught wind of a new PC worm? Shocked by a rumor about your senator? This myth-busting site, named after a nefarious fictional family, helps you decipher “what’s real and what’s rumor.” Entries are “well researched,” with original sources provided whenever possible.
Urbanlegends.about.com is “one of the longest-running myth-busting sites.” It debunks all kinds of urban legends. For each scam, the site “gives you a ‘status’ (false or dubious, for example) and provides analysis.” You can also stay up to date by browsing the top 25 hoaxes and latest additions.
Hoax-slayer.com is a “relative newcomer,” but it “covers most of the bases.” The site usefully organizes scams into such categories as “bogus warnings” and “funny e-mail hoaxes.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Source: ShopSmart
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
How the Russia-Ukraine conflict has spread to Africa
The Explainer Ukraine is attempting to strengthen its alliances on the continent to counter Russia's growing presence
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
A history of Guantánamo Bay
The Explainer War of Terror's 'symbol of torture, rendition and indefinite detention' is subject of new Serial podcast series
By The Week UK Published
-
5 fun Easter activities from The Week Junior
The Week Junior Easter Activities Looking for some fun, simple Easter activities to do with the kids? Look no further – The Week Junior has you covered with these five fun and family-friendly activities.
By The Week UK Published