Why Verification and Fact Checking Matters
⏱ 3-5 minute read
One of the most basic online etiquette is verification or fact checking.
With the internet giving us access to more information, it is important that we know how to verify online information. Especially as educators, it is part of our professional ethics to serve as positive role models to our students. Here are three tips we can follow to verify and fact-check online information.
| Source: Who created the piece of content? | Look for the source. Every piece of online content has a source. Check if it’s a person, a publication, an agency or organization. Once you know the source, determine if the source is credible. |
| Date: When was the piece of content captured? | Check the date. When was the piece of content first uploaded? At times, we tend to oversee this important information, the date of posting or publication of a content. Once you see the date, check if the information is still updated and accurate to the present day. |
| Motivation: Why was the piece of content captured and shared? | Think about the motivation. This tip is a good way to practice our critical thinking skills. Ask yourself why the piece of content is being shared – is it to inform people? To raise awareness? To entertain? To call people to action? To spark a conversation or dialogue? Your answer to these questions can affect how you view the piece of content. |