Florida Gulf Coast University

Lyn Millner

IS THIS FOR REAL?

Seven questions to ask when you read … anything.

Especially on the Internet, it can be tough to determine what information you can trust. These questions can help.

1. Where did the information originally appear?

It should be obvious where the story, video, etc. originally appeared. If it isn’t, don’t rely on it. The information may not be credible. If the original source is given, go to that site or source and read it there instead.

2. Is there a date?

The date of the information and/or the last update should be clearly stated on the page.

3. What organization produced this?

Sometimes, an organization name can sound very balanced and credible when it isn’t. At the very least, Google the organization’s name and read about it, outside of that organization’s Web site.

Sometimes, URL endings can be helpful. Sites ending in….

.edu are usually educational institutions and generally a good source of information.

.gov are government Web sites and usually good sources for statistical information

.org are typically non-profit organizations. Be on the lookout for political agendas and biases.

Example: Looking for information about gun control? Check .gov sites for statistics related to gun ownership, laws, etc. Sites ending in .org may have biases on gun ownership (handguncontrol.org or nrahg.org).

4. Who is the writer?

At the very least, Google the writer’s name to see what else he or she has written. Who is this person? What are his credentials?

OVER >>

5. Where did the writer get the facts?

Unless a fact is common knowledge, the source for the fact should be clearly cited. Ask yourself: Given the citations provided, could I go and find the facts myself? Better yet, do it: Go find those facts yourself, especially if you doubt them.

Like this

Dr. Robert Green, a physician in charge of the study, says, “Blah. blah.”

or this

According to data from the Center for Disease control, one in three people is susceptible to the disease.

6. Did anyone else verify this?

How likely is it that anyone reviewed, edited or fact-checked the piece you’re reading? Does it appear in a major magazine? (These typically employ editors and fact-checkers.) Or is it a blog entry, reviewed by no one?

Beware the Blog

Blogs are almost never independently fact-checked and edited. They typically contain lots of opinion and little fact. Always verify any facts you find in a blog.

7. Is there content-related advertising on the site?

Advertising doesn’t invalidate an article. BUT—if you are reading something about “a miracle vitamin,” and there happens to be an ad for that miracle vitamin right on the site, that’s a huge red flag.

Less obvious: Be sure you aren’t relying on a press release or company statement. Whenever you read anything on a company’s Web site, remember: That company has a vested interest in looking good. A press release can seem very newsy, fact-oriented and authoritative. But it is almost always biased, and sometimes supported by cherry-picked facts.

Additional Required Reading

How to Spot Spin