The borderless nature of the World Wide Web makes it an infinite treasury of information, plenty of which are freely provided by experts and professionals. The internet has become the first source many of us turn to when we seek solutions and ideas, ranging from tips on handcrafted gifts to remedies for health problems.
However, just about anyone with a computer and internet access can publish information online for free, which means that some far from credible information can easily make their way into our search results. It is crucial to understand that not everything online is accurate, and to learn how to filter out misleading information.
Reference multiple sources
Do not stop at the first link on your list of search results. Instead, check facts against multiple reliable references. A dependable factual or news piece should:
– Provide references to other sources
– Contain well-organised information
– Be sensibly and subjectively written
– Be free of typographical and grammar errors
The popularity of wikis makes it all the more important to assess the reliability of information on the web. A wiki is a website allowing users to modify content via a web browser. Some wikis are moderated by experts on the wiki’s subject. Some are free for all. Due to their vulnerability to abuse, colleges and institutions around the world do not recognise wikis as credible references. Nevertheless, if a wiki article possesses the above-mentioned traits, it is still relevant for personal reference.
Photographs and videos on the web are not absolute truth as they can be easily altered.
Check the authorship
News and information websites by experts and professionals would usually contain the author’s credentials and contact information. If in doubt, always contact the author before accepting their information at face value.
Websites with .gov or .edu extensions are generally regarded to be authoritative as typically only government and educational entities are allowed to use such domains.
Know the purpose of the website
Websites do not exist solely to provide information. They have a myriad of uses, including but not limited to self-expression, sales, experiments and generating online revenue. Articles meant to promote the sale of a product, also known as advertorials, may contain impartial information. Watch out for excessive pop-up advertisements and huge, multi-coloured fonts. Good websites do not need these gimmicks to bug readers into giving their attention.
Find out when it was last updated
The timeliness of information is critical for articles about current developments, especially technology and health where new discoveries are made everyday. Just as outdated medical knowledge is detrimental to the treatment of a patient, it is also unfavourable for your research paper and knowledge.
The internet is a powerful research tool, but not the answer to all questions. Personally consulting a professional is still the most dependable option when critical information is needed.
– This article first appeared in a lifestyle magazine
