Snopes is the oldest and largest fact-checking site, widely regarded by journalists, folklorists, and readers as an invaluable research companion. When misinformation obscures the truth and readers don’t know what to trust, Snopes’ fact-checking and original investigative reporting lights the way to evidence-based and contextualized analysis, always linking to and documenting sources so readers are empowered to do independent research and make up their own minds. Snopes got its start in 1994 investigating urban legends, hoaxes, and folklore, and as demand for reliable online fact checks grew, so did Snopes. The site is an independent publication owned and operated under Snopes, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Snopes Media Group, Inc. Unlike many online fact-checking sites that exclusively focus on politics, Snopes observes the principle of writing about whatever items readers are asking about or searching for, as well as viral rumors that could lead to misunderstandings and purported trivia facts, without choosing or excluding items based on whether they deal with Republican/Democratic, conservative/liberal, or religious/secular issues. Topic selection is determined by reader interest including search terms, email submissions, social media comments and questions, and what’s trending on Google and social media. Each entry is assigned to an editorial staff member who undertakes preliminary research and writes the first draft, with research beginning by attempting to contact the claim’s source and individuals with relevant expertise, searching printed information including news articles, scientific and medical journal articles, books, interview transcripts, and statistical sources. The organization attempts to use non-partisan information and data sources such as peer-reviewed journals and government agency statistics, alerting readers that information from political advocacy organizations and partisan think tanks should be regarded with skepticism.
Why it matters: Snopes has spent three decades building the infrastructure and methodology for rigorous fact-checking, evolving from investigating urban legends to becoming the oldest and largest fact-checking site addressing misinformation across all topics rather than limiting itself to political claims. By always linking to and documenting sources, Snopes empowers readers to do independent research and make up their own minds rather than simply trusting Snopes’ conclusions, modeling transparency as essential to combating misinformation. The site’s commitment to following reader interest without partisan considerations—addressing whatever people are searching for and asking about—ensures that fact-checking serves public curiosity and need rather than editorial agendas, while its methodology of contacting sources, consulting experts, and using peer-reviewed and government data demonstrates that reliable information requires rigorous investigation, not just opinion.