Snopes

Snopes: Fact-Checking Website

Investigates urban legends, rumors, and stories of unknown or questionable origin, providing research and detailed analysis on factual accuracy and truthfulness of claims.

What is Snopes?

Snopes is an internet fact-checking resource founded in 1994 by writer Barbara Mikkelson and her then-husband David Mikkelson. The website started as an investigation into urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation, but has since expanded to cover a wide range of news, politics, science, and current events.

Snopes employs a small staff of researchers and writers led by David Mikkelson to investigate the veracity of claims submitted by site visitors or circulating online and in the media. Claims are deeply researched through available news reports, credible sources, interviews, public records, and encyclopedia entries.

All investigated claims on Snopes receive a rating on a Truth-O-Meter, designating them as True, Mostly True, Mixture, Mostly False, False, or Unproven. All articles provide detailed evidence and sources to back up conclusions. In addition to debunking common myths and legends, the site also focuses on fact-checking political issues and news.

Overall, Snopes sets itself apart as one of the first and most widely-consulted online fact-checking resources. The site is transparent in its sourcing and commitment to accuracy, making it a leader in distinguishing misinformation from truth.

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