Scrutinize the Source

Purpose & Audience

• Why was the source created? To entertain, persuade, or inform?
• Is it sponsored? Who is reading it?

Beware Author Bias

• Warning signs: exaggerated or emotional language and a lack of evidence to support claims.

Check Your Own Bias

• Check your own biases and how they influence your judgment of the source.

Check the Date

• When was the article originally published? Has it been reprinted from another source?

See What Others Say

Fact Check

• Use a fact-checking site (Snopes, FactCheck, or Politifact) if information seems suspect. Is it satire?

Follow the Evidence

• Click links or search citations to inspect the quality of supporting sources.

Evaluate the Author

• Search for the author outside the source.
• What is their experience and expertise?

Inspect the Publisher

• Inspect the mission and scope of the site or publication where the source is found.
• Search for more info on the publisher.