Finding the best information online

I know it’s true: I read it on the internetNot everything on the internet is true

The difference between fact, opinion, and fiction – it’s not as defined or evident as you might think

Websites are created not only to inform, but to advertise, entertain, promote, sell, sway opinion, confuse, or take advantage of others

Purpose

Potential bias

Is it current and accurate?

What to look for when deciding whether the information you’ve found on the internet is an acceptable source

Website design

What’s the purpose of the website?

Read between the lines

What does the author gain? Will he/she make a sale if they convince you?Who is the author of the information?

What makes the author an expert?

Has additional contact information been included on this website? Is it easy to find?

Can you find further evidence that the author is reliable or an expert in this area? Search for additional information on the author.

What’s the potential for bias?Example one: The girl

walked to her relative’s house. Her grandmother reported that she brought supplies, stayed for a short visit, and left to return home after preparing and sharing a meal together. However, she did not return home that evening. Police are investigating her disappearance.

Example two: Red Riding Hood, wearing a skimpy red outfit, sauntered out into the night, apparently looking for trouble. She checked in on Granny and wandered back out into the night shortly afterward. Is it any wonder she’s disappeared? Her irresponsible ways were bound to catch up with her.

Example three: An innocent and saintly young girl dedicated to the care of the elderly was abducted last night after a final dinner with her ailing and infirm Granny. Rumors abound that a vicious wolf was prowling around the neighborhood at around the time the beloved girl disappeared.

What’s the potential for bias?Are both sides

presented fairly?

Is it clear whether the information is fact-based or opinion?Are you looking for both sides of the story?

Is this information up to date, useful, and accurate?

Check the date – if you did a search today and found this website, would you trust that they’ve kept the information current?

Is this information up to date, useful, and accurate?

How important is it to you to have the latest information? A biography of an 18th century author may not require a recent update

Is this information up to date, useful, and accurate?

If the website has links, are they current? Do they still exist?

Is this information up to date, useful, and accurate?

Are there spelling or grammatical errors? Does it read as if it were professionally written?

Is the website designed to help you find the information you are looking for?

Improve your chances of finding good information:

Discover reputable sources for different types of information, and use those websites first

Your local library

Ohio’s Web LibraryLocal experts: do they have a website or blog? What websites do they recommend?

Think twice before you ‘like’ or repost…

CONGRATULATIONS!

You are a savvy internet researcher!