Investigate the trustworthiness of any potential source you encounter online or from social media. Here are some things to consider:
Authority
Accountability matters.
- Is there an author or creator associated with a blog, article, photograph, or video?
- What are the qualifications of the author/creator? Do they possess a degree in the field?
- Is a brief biography provided?
Relevance
Utility matters.
- Is the information sufficiently related to your inquiry?
- How much is your topic featured? Or is it mentioned in passing? Use "Ctrl+F".
- Is the information sufficiently current, if needed?
Purpose
Intention matters.
- Can you identify the publisher hosting the information?
- What is the point of the information? To sell, educate, or persuade?
- Who is the intended audience?
Bias
Objectivity matters.
- Is the language and tone reasonable and impartial?
- Is the speech exaggerated, hyperbolic, or manipulative?
- Are there priorities or an agenda associated with the information or website? See 'Purpose'.
Disinformation
Facts matter.
- Are the claims made reasonable or unbelievable?
- Is the information supported by reliable evidence?
- Use fact checkers to to breakdown false or misleading claims. Try Politifact, FactCheck.org, Snopes.
Equity
Diversity matters.
- People in power tend to dominate information spaces.
- Does the information attempt to be inclusive of other points of view?
- Intentionally seek marginalized voices if appropriate to your topic.
