Fighting Fake Gonzaga News

AI generated image of a student shocked by fake news.
Image generated by AI.
February 24, 2026
Bobbie Markee (’26)

Did you know that false information travels six times faster than factual news?  

This is due to a lot of factors, but this includes what people call an “internet frenzy.” This chaotic form of rapid engagement on social media platforms is driven by AI content, spam, and a decline in quality, making the internet feel more cluttered than ever. Content that is shocking, regardless of if it is true, travels fast across platforms as users engage and share with each other.  More engagement means more reach, meaning false information spreads further across the internet.  

Gonzaga is known for its school spirit, athletic and academic performance, and Jesuit values. It’s no wonder there is a huge online presence buzzing around these topics – and especially during basketball season.  

With so much content circulating online, it's hard to tell what is real and what is clickbait.  

Did you hear about Gonzaga’s new $3.2-billion upgraded arena? An article online will tell you all about this new addition, even though the story is not true, but rather a result of AI clickbait.  

There is a ton of false information being shared on social media involving Gonzaga, and the only way we can truly fight fake news is to know it when we see it. If you are a Gonzaga basketball fan, then you have probably seen a ton of “shocking” stories posted on Facebook. Unfortunately, a large portion of these are inaccurate. These posts usually contain unverified websites and use emotionally charged headlines (“Gonzaga Coach Mark Few in Hospital!” for example), mix real names with false claims, target passionate audiences (like sports fans) and prioritize engagement over accuracy.  

 

Screenshots of fake Gonzaga news.
Both of the above images are fake and generated by AI. There are currently no plans for a multi-billion-dollar arena upgrade and any news about transfers or NIL deals will come from official sources only.
When clickbait accounts target programs like Gonzaga basketball, they will weave information such as coach and player names or images, with AI content and clickbait information. For example, if you see an image of your favorite player with the headline, “Injured,” or a head coach and an unbelievable or controversial story, make sure to check the facts before you hit share.  

How to look out for fake news:

Get information straight from the source 
  • Is the account verified? Is it a reputable news organization? 
Examine the URL carefully 
  • Fake sites often mimic real ones (e.g., slight misspellings like “gonzagaa.edu” instead of “gonzaga.edu”). 
Watch for extreme language 
  • ALL CAPS, excessive exclamation points, or emotionally charged wording are red flags. 
Be cautious with images/videos  
  • Check for photo/video manipulation. 
  • Photos and videos can be edited or taken out of context. 
Look for named authors and credentials 
  • Good reporting will include a recognizable writer, not anonymous or “insider” authors with no track record. 

Official Gonzaga Websites and Social Media Accounts:  

Follow Gonzaga's official account for the most accurate information!
Gonzaga Facebook