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BRAIN: Using your BRAIN to evaluate information

What is reliability?

Reliability: the quality of being trustworthy or dependable.

How reliable and accurate is the information you are reading? It's up to us as consumers of information to verify the facts presented.

How false news spreads

Practical tips for evaluating reliability

  • Read laterally- open multiple tabs to verify that the facts are being presented fairly and accurately
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors? If there are errors, this could mean that the information hasn't been reviewed or updated. Some publications will have errors, but reputable sources will correct those errors and note the correction.
  • Are words in ALL CAPS? This could mean they are biased or lacking editorial review.  
  • Do links work? Are the links balanced and reliable? If links are broken, this could mean the information is old or lacking review.  If there are broken links, you'll want to verify the information in the article.
  • Is there an author listed?  If the information is posted anonymously, you'll want to verify the facts presented. 
  • Check multiple sources to verify details, facts, and quotes. 
  • For science reporting: Is it peer reviewed?

Tools for checking reliability and Facts

Fact-checking videos