Build better media literacy and research habits.
confirm that specific facts can be found in other independent sources
evaluate if the site is a government (.gov), academic (.edu), or commercial (.com) entity
watch for strong adjectives or labels meant to influence emotions
use reverse image searches to check for manipulation or out-of-context use
look for a clear mission statement and disclosure of leadership
determine if the content is for experts, the general public, or a specific group
verify that citations lead to active, high-quality supporting information
identify if the title is clickbait or accurately reflects the article's claims
check if the source is funded by a group that benefits from the findings
consider what facts or perspectives might be missing to skew the narrative
determine the purpose (inform, persuade, or sell)
evaluate if the source addresses multiple perspectives
cross-reference with other reliable outlets
check for neutral language versus emotional appeals
verify expertise or relevant background in the subject
check whether the information is still current
look for data, examples, or cited sources
identify the author, organization, or source owner