Much of the information posted on the Internet doesn’t undergo the type of scrutiny required by the news media. No editor or editorial staff checks facts to verify credibility. The unfortunate danger is that the general public may find itself misinformed. People must take on the responsibility of screening the vast amount of information disseminated on the Internet and decide for themselves if it is reliable or not.
The most basic level of information is raw fact: something that can be proven to be true. This may be in the form of descriptions, statistics, or reports. Then there are eyewitness reports, arguments, and opinions. To be credible, these must be based on reliable information and sources. How can a person assess these on the Internet without access to the types of tools the media has for fact- and source-checking?
Dependable Web Sites
Certain Web sites are more dependable than others. For example, government sites (with Web addresses ending in .gov) and education sites (ending in .edu) typically have information that has gone through a review process before being “published” on the Internet. Online journals and newspapers follow the same types of publishing guidelines as their hardcopy cousins. Use the same judgment that would be used when picking up a copy of the New York Times or the National Enquirer.
Dependability of Factual Information
First, determine if the fact source is credible. Is it a reliable organization, like the Centers for Disease Control? Or is it an unknown research group? Look for corporate, governmental, or nonprofit organizations’ sites. If the source is an individual, look at background (education or training) and experience, which should be in a relevant field. Whether an individual author or an organization, make sure the source is respected and has a good reputation.
Next, decide if the facts are accurate. With the world changing so quickly, it is essential that information be up to date. Make sure research is based on current studies and is comprehensive. Sometimes, one significant source, such as a long-term government study, is enough. Other times, a number of sources are required to get an accurate picture.
Dependability of Opinion-based Information
If the author professes to offer a balanced argument, make sure that facts supporting both sides are presented without bias or a hidden agenda. If the author is presenting one point of view, he or she should present supporting facts and acknowledge opposing views. Documentation is particularly important; sources should be clearly cited. A sound argument should be corroborated elsewhere, so look for other sources that express similar opinions.
Proceed Online with Caution
When surfing the Net for entertainment, enjoy the ride. However, if the purpose is to gain information, don’t get caught up in its accessibility. The ultimate advice is to be cautious. Think of the old adage: Don’t believe everything you read. Be a responsible browser by visiting reputable government and education Web sites. Determine the credibility of fact sources, and look for up-to-date, comprehensive information.
Elayne Masters - My life’s journey took me on a long, winding path, eventually bringing me to my career as a freelance writer/editor. After working ...
