In their article, "Effectively and Efficiently Reading the Credibility of Online Sources," Ellen Carillo and Alice Horning emphasize the importance of recognizing source bias and ensuring the credibility of online sources. They caution that even seemingly reliable articles may spread false information, as authors can be persuasive in presenting their view and that an article can appear reliable but may have conniving undertones. The authors then share a personal experience of falling victim to pseudoscience and highlight the dangers of misinformation and disinformation. Their article focuses on critical reading and provides strategies for evaluating the credibility of online sources.
As a collective, our goal should be to share accurate information without bias or personal opinions. This reading has emphasized the significance of citing the correct source and avoiding the promotion of unfalsifiable claims. They stress the importance of citing the correct sources, which can be easily overlooked. It is essential to focus on the general good of the community rather than on proving oneself right, and to be aware of bias that may lead to the selection of sources that support our own beliefs rather than those that present evidence. Ignoring information does not make it disappear, and it is crucial to prioritize the accuracy and credibility of the sources we use.
In the past, I have received advice from both professors and teachers about the dangers of relying solely on sources that support my argument, and this recommendation has stayed with me throughout my academic journey. This concern has become even more relevant in my current research-focused courses, such as this one and my psychology class. Although I recognize that finding opposing articles can be challenging, I understand the importance of considering different perspectives and acknowledging potential biases. It can be tempting to avoid the extra effort of finding opposing viewpoints, but in order to maintain credibility and spread accurate information, it is necessary to put in the work.