How to Evaluate Information Before You Believe It

You’re scrolling through social media, casually catching up on the latest news.

Suddenly, a headline screams at you, promising a shocking revelation. Curiosity piqued, you click.

But before you get swept away by the current of information, take a deep breath.

In today’s digital age, we’re all surfers navigating a massive wave of content — some genuine, some fabricated.

Remember the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar back in 2017? Social media became a breeding ground for misinformation, fueling violence and hatred.

This chilling example highlights a crucial skill we all need: assessing information critically before hitting “share” or letting it influence our decisions.

The good news? Honing your information-vetting skills helps you confidently navigate the digital world and make informed choices based on facts, not fiction.

Source Scrutiny

• Identify the source: Where is this information coming from? Is it a reputable news source with a history of fact-checking, a scholarly journal, a government website, or a random blog post?
• Author Expertise: Who wrote the information? Are they an expert in the field? Can you find out their credentials or background?
• Past Credibility: Has the source demonstrated credibility in the past? Look for awards, recognition from respected institutions, or a history of accurate reporting.

Content Evaluation

• Check for Bias: Even reputable sources can be biased. Look for red flags like loaded language, cherry-picked data, or logical fallacies. Is there an agenda the source might be pushing?
• Compare with Other Sources: Don’t rely on just one piece of information. Look for confirmation from credible sources with different perspectives.
• Consider the Context: Information can be misleading if taken out of context. Understand how it fits into the bigger picture, including relevant background and current events.
• Evaluate the Evidence: Does the claim rely on sound scientific studies, statistical analyses, or historical records? Or is it based on anecdotes or unsubstantiated opinions?

Verification and Organization

• Verify Citations: If references are provided, follow up and read those sources yourself. Don’t assume something is true just because it’s published.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and don’t accept information at face value. Set aside dedicated research and fact-checking time.
• Prioritize Information: Focus on verifying high-priority information first. Less urgent details can wait.
• Utilize Fact-Checking Tools: There are websites dedicated to fact-checking information. Use them to verify what you’ve read or heard.

💡🔍5 Fact-Checking Tools to Try for Free

LongShot Fact Check: It scans your writing for factual claims and suggests citations from reliable sources with a single click, helping you ensure the accuracy and credibility of your content.

FactInsect: It is a website that uses automated tools and supposedly credible sources to check the factual accuracy of information found online. They claim transparency by showing corrections made to their fact checks.

Demagog: It is a Polish fact-checking website that debunks disinformation and verifies statements by public figures and election promises. They prioritize transparency and have a multi-step review process to ensure accuracy.

Ellinika Hoaxes: Ellinika Hoaxes (Greek Hoaxes) is a Greek-language website that debunks misleading news, viral rumors, and online hoaxes, providing valuable fact-checking services to the community. Available in English.

FactCheck.org: It is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. It is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

Bonus: Effective Research Practices

• Take Notes: Use note-taking apps or spreadsheets to organize findings. Note the source, key points, and why it matters.
• Set Deadlines: Track time to establish deadlines for completing your investigation and stick to them. This helps avoid getting lost in online rabbit holes.
• Regularly Reassess: As you find new information, reassess your previous findings to ensure consistency and validity throughout your evaluation process.

By following these tips, you can become a more informed decision-maker and critically evaluate the information you encounter.