Researchers have found there are several simple, concrete strategies that we all can (and should) use, especially before we're tempted to share or repeat a claim, to verify its accuracy first.
A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, this nonpartisan, nonprofit seeks to "reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. Politics (FactCheck.org - About Us)."
"PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics. PolitiFact is run by editors and reporters from the Tampa Bay Times..."
All Sides uses a variety of scientific surveying techniques to rate common media websites and news sources based on their right or left leaning bias. Check out all sides to get an idea of the general bias of a new source. Look for sources that are labeled C for the most neutral sources.
(4 videos, ~4 minutes each) Playlist of short videos introducing a method to evaluate the quality of information online using methods employed by fact-checkers.
An excellent guide to understanding, recognizing and avoiding fake news and misinformation online from UC Santa Barbara's Center for Information Technology and Society.
