Much of what we encounter today is presented as “information,” but often arrives packaged as memes, misleading claims, or outright falsehoods. Staying informed matters—but reading the news critically matters just as much.

Here are a few excellent resources to help you separate reliable reporting from misinformation and understand how to evaluate what you read:

Always ask questions about the source. Who published it? What evidence is provided? Are multiple credible outlets reporting the same facts?

It’s also worth remembering that the phrase “fake news” is often used as a political slogan rather than a factual description. Sometimes it refers to genuinely fabricated stories; other times it’s simply applied to reporting someone dislikes. That’s all the more reason to evaluate claims based on evidence rather than labels.

Finally, give yourself permission to step away from the news from time to time. Staying informed is important—but so is protecting your peace of mind.