Quick Overview

Online fact-checking is the process of verifying information found on the internet to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. In a digital world where misinformation, rumors, and fake news can spread quickly, learning to fact-check is an essential part of digital literacy. It helps users make informed decisions, avoid sharing false information, and critically evaluate the content they encounter online.

How to fact-check online involves using multiple sources to confirm information, checking the credibility of websites, and looking for supporting evidence. Reliable sources often include established news organizations, official government websites, or academic publications. Tools such as fact-checking websites (e.g., Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact) and reverse image searches can help verify claims, images, and videos.

Key practices for effective fact-checking include reading beyond headlines, examining the author’s credentials, checking publication dates, and identifying bias or conflicts of interest. Cross-referencing information across different credible sources is crucial, as it reduces the risk of being misled by opinions or false statements presented as facts.

The benefits of online fact-checking include improved decision-making, responsible sharing of information, and stronger critical thinking skills. By developing the habit of verifying information before believing or sharing it, users contribute to a more informed and trustworthy digital community. Fact-checking also helps learners navigate social media, news sites, and other online content more confidently.

Challenges in fact-checking include the speed at which misinformation spreads, subtle biases in sources, and the complexity of distinguishing fact from opinion. Beginners should practice patience, curiosity, and skepticism when evaluating online content. Understanding how to fact-check empowers learners to participate responsibly in digital spaces and protects them from being misled by false or misleading information.

Connecting Dots

Here are some connection points linking this topic to other digital literacy topics in the website:

• Critical Thinking on the Internet – Fact-checking develops the ability to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of online content.

• Evaluating Online Information – Fact-checking is a practical step in assessing the credibility, relevance, and quality of digital sources.

• Digital Citizenship – Sharing verified information responsibly supports ethical and informed participation in online communities.

• Online Safety and Security – Fact-checking can help avoid scams, phishing attempts, and misleading content designed to deceive users.

• Internet Communication Clarity – Being accurate and evidence-based in online communication strengthens clarity, trust, and professionalism.

Learn More

• UC Berkeley: Real News/Fake News: Fact Checkers

• Lexis/Nexis: How to fact check like a pro

Quick Overview

Misinformation is false or misleading information that is spread without the intent to deceive. People sharing misinformation usually believe it is true, even if it is inaccurate. Examples include forwarding an incorrect news story, sharing outdated statistics, or spreading rumors that turn out to be false. The key point is that the person sharing the information does not mean to cause harm.

Disinformation, on the other hand, is false information that is deliberately created and shared to mislead or manipulate people. Unlike misinformation, disinformation is intentional. Examples include fake news articles designed to influence elections, manipulated images meant to cause confusion, or false claims used for financial or political gain. Recognizing disinformation requires critical thinking and careful evaluation of sources.

Why the distinction matters is that both misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly online and affect beliefs, decisions, and behavior. Learning to identify them is a core part of digital literacy. Strategies such as checking multiple credible sources, using fact-checking websites, and analyzing the purpose and credibility of the content can help users protect themselves from false or harmful information.

Connecting Dots

Here are some connection points linking this topic to other digital literacy topics in the website:

• Online Fact-Checking – Understanding the difference between misinformation and disinformation emphasizes the need to verify content before believing or sharing it.

• Critical Thinking on the Internet – Evaluating the intent, credibility, and accuracy of information is essential for distinguishing deliberate disinformation from accidental misinformation.

• Evaluating Online Information – Both concepts reinforce the importance of checking sources, dates, authorship, and evidence when consuming digital content.

• Digital Citizenship – Responsible sharing of information helps reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation, promoting ethical online behavior.

• Internet Communication Clarity – Being clear and accurate when communicating online minimizes the risk of unintentionally spreading misinformation.

Learn More

• Princeton University: Misinformation, Disinformation & Malinformation: A Guide

Quick Overview

Online bias refers to the tendency for information, algorithms, or online platforms to favor certain perspectives, ideas, or content over others. Bias can appear in search engine results, social media feeds, news articles, or recommendation systems. It may reflect the creators’ opinions, the design of algorithms, or the data used to train AI systems. Recognizing bias is an important part of digital literacy because it affects how people understand information and make decisions online.

Examples of online bias include search results that prioritize popular opinions, news articles that emphasize one viewpoint over another, or recommendation systems that repeatedly suggest content similar to what a user has already viewed. Even well-intentioned platforms can inadvertently reinforce bias by showing users information that confirms their existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as the “filter bubble.” This can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and make it harder to evaluate information critically.

Addressing online bias involves developing critical thinking and media literacy skills. Users should consult multiple sources, compare differing viewpoints, and question the context and origin of the information they encounter. Being aware of bias helps learners navigate online spaces more responsibly, make informed decisions, and share information ethically. By understanding online bias, beginners can become more discerning consumers of digital content.

Connecting Dots

Here are some connection points linking this topic to other digital literacy topics in the website:

• Critical Thinking on the Internet – Recognizing bias helps learners evaluate information more accurately and avoid one-sided perspectives.

• Evaluating Online Information – Understanding bias is essential for assessing the credibility, reliability, and objectivity of sources.

• Online Fact-Checking – Fact-checking helps identify misleading or skewed information caused by biased reporting or algorithmic influence.

• Misinformation vs. Disinformation – Bias can contribute to the spread of misinformation or make disinformation more persuasive.

• Digital Citizenship – Being aware of bias supports responsible sharing and discussion of online content, promoting fairness and inclusivity.

Learn More

• Iowa University: Evaluating Online Information: Bias & Disinformation

Quick Overview

Correlation vs. causation is an important concept in digital literacy and critical thinking. Correlation means that two things happen at the same time or in a related pattern, but it does not necessarily mean that one causes the other. Causation, on the other hand, means that one event directly leads to another. Understanding the difference helps people interpret online data, statistics, and claims more accurately.

Correlation examples are common online. For instance, you might notice that people buy more sunscreen and more ice cream in the summer. These two things are correlated, but one does not cause the other. Instead, a third factor—the hot weather—causes both. This shows how correlations can be interesting but misleading if we assume one event directly leads to the other.

Causation examples are situations where one action clearly produces an outcome. For example, forgetting to charge your phone causes the battery to die. In this case, the relationship is direct and proven. To claim causation, researchers often use controlled experiments or strong evidence to show that one factor truly affects the other.

Why this distinction matters online is because many articles, charts, or social media posts present correlations as if they prove causation. Misunderstanding the difference can spread misinformation or lead to poor decisions. For example, a news headline might say a certain food is “linked” to better health, but that does not mean eating that food directly causes the health benefit—it may just be correlated with other factors.

Tips for beginners include questioning whether a third factor could explain the relationship, checking if reliable sources claim causation, and looking for evidence beyond surface-level data. By practicing this habit, learners develop stronger critical thinking skills and avoid being misled by confusing or sensational claims online.

Connecting Dots

Here are some connection points linking this topic to other digital literacy topics in the website:

• Critical Thinking on the Internet – Understanding the difference between correlation and causation builds stronger analytical skills when evaluating online claims.

• Evaluating Online Information – Many articles and charts misuse correlations as evidence; knowing the distinction helps learners spot weak arguments.

• Misinformation vs. Disinformation – Confusing correlation with causation can unintentionally spread misinformation or be used deliberately as disinformation.

• Online Fact-Checking – Verifying whether research supports causation—or only shows correlation—is a key step in fact-checking.

• Digital Citizenship – Sharing accurate interpretations of data demonstrates responsibility and helps prevent the spread of misleading information in online communities.

Learn More

• Statistics by Jim: Correlation vs Causation: Understanding the Differences

Quick Overview

Computer ethical sharing refers to the responsible and respectful way of sharing digital content such as documents, images, music, videos, and software. In a world where information can be copied and distributed instantly, it’s important to understand how to share materials without violating laws, harming others, or spreading misinformation. Ethical sharing is a core part of digital literacy because it promotes fairness, respect, and trust in online spaces.

One key aspect of ethical sharing is respecting copyright and intellectual property. This means giving proper credit to creators and avoiding unauthorized use of their work. For example, downloading pirated movies or copying articles without citation is not ethical. Instead, learners should use licensed or open-access materials, or ask permission when necessary. Understanding Creative Commons licenses, which specify how content can be reused, helps guide safe and fair sharing practices.

Privacy and personal information are also central to ethical sharing. Users should never share sensitive information—such as addresses, phone numbers, or private photos—without consent. This applies to both personal relationships and professional settings. Respecting the privacy of others online helps create safe digital communities and prevents harm such as identity theft, embarrassment, or harassment.

Misinformation and accuracy are another part of ethical sharing. Before forwarding an article, reposting a video, or sharing a claim, users should fact-check and confirm its accuracy. Sharing false or misleading content, even unintentionally, can cause confusion or harm. Ethical sharing means being thoughtful about the impact of what we distribute and ensuring that we contribute positively to online spaces.

The benefits of ethical sharing include building credibility, fostering trust, and encouraging collaboration. When people share responsibly, they create digital environments where ideas and resources can circulate fairly and safely. For beginners, practicing ethical sharing means asking simple questions before posting or forwarding content: Is it accurate? Is it respectful? Do I have the right to share it? By doing so, learners can become responsible digital citizens who use technology in ways that benefit both themselves and others.

Connecting Dots

Here are some connection points linking this topic to other digital literacy topics in the website:

• Digital Citizenship – Ethical sharing is part of being a responsible digital citizen, respecting others’ work, privacy, and rights online.

• Online Safety and Privacy – Protecting personal data and seeking consent before sharing information aligns with safe online practices.

• Misinformation vs. Disinformation – Ethical sharing requires fact-checking and avoiding the spread of false or misleading information.

• Evaluating Online Information – Checking sources, authorship, and credibility before sharing ensures accuracy and fairness.

• Social Media – Platforms make sharing easy, but ethical sharing reminds learners to think before posting, citing, or forwarding content.

Learn More

• Association for Computing Machinery: ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Q1: What does critical thinking mean online?
A: Critical thinking online means questioning what you see, analyzing information carefully, and deciding if it’s trustworthy before accepting or sharing it.

Q2: How can I tell if information is reliable?
A: Check the source (is it from a reputable organization?), the author (are they qualified?), the date (is it current?), and compare it with other credible sources.

Q3: What is misinformation?
A: Misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared by mistake — not necessarily to deceive, but it can still spread confusion.

Q4: What is disinformation?
A: Disinformation is false information shared on purpose to mislead, manipulate, or harm others — often seen in scams or fake news campaigns.

Q5: Why is it important to fact-check information?
A: Fact-checking helps prevent the spread of false claims and ensures the information you share with others is accurate and helpful.

Q6: What does “bias” mean in online content?
A: Bias is when information is presented with a particular point of view, leaving out facts or perspectives that don’t support that view.

Q7: How can I spot clickbait?
A: Clickbait often uses exaggerated or shocking headlines to get you to click. Look past the headline and read the full article before reacting or sharing.

Q8: What does correlation vs. causation mean?
A: Correlation means two things happen at the same time, but it doesn’t necessarily mean one caused the other. Critical thinking helps you question cause-and-effect claims.

Q9: Why should I look for multiple sources?
A: Using more than one trusted source helps confirm whether information is accurate and gives you a more complete understanding of a topic.

Q10: How does critical thinking help me online?
A: It protects you from scams, misinformation, and emotional manipulation, and it helps you make smart, informed decisions about what to believe and share.