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An NPR/Ipsos poll in December found that a significant number of Americans believe disinformation about the coronavirus and about settled historical facts. The findings underscore the enduring nature of unfounded conspiracies at a time when experts say disinformation is being spread on an unprecedented scale. The Internet gives conspiracy theorists a place to connect, and social media gives them a way to quickly disseminate their ideas on a mass scale. Disinformation peddlers are trying to drive traffic to websites where they can make money, or they're trying to shape a political narrative.

How to sort genuine from fake online news? Experts suggest these tips to become a more savvy media reader: 1. Pay attention to the domain and URL 2. Read the "About Us" section 3. Look at the quotes in a story--or the lack thereof 4. Look at who said them 5. Check the comments 6. Reverse image search