Evaluating Websites
Just because information is on the internet or appears on social media sites, does not mean that the information/images/videos are true or accurate. Read all information with a critical eye--here are some tips:
An excellent resource on identifying Fake News, from Baruch College: https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/fakenews/
A great resource to check conspiracies and online claims for factualness: https://www.snopes.com
Currency:
How recent is the information?
When was the website last updated?
Is the information current enough for your topic?
Reliability:
What kind of information is included in the resource?
Have you checked that information against other sites?
Is the information mostly opinion?
Is it biased?
Are there references or sources for any quotes or facts and figures?
Authority:
Who is the author?
What makes them an expert?
Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable?
Why would they want to publish this information?
Are there advertisements on the site?
Purpose and POV:
Is the information based on fact or opinion?
Is the information biased?
Why did the author write this?
Are they trying to sell you something?