Critically Assessing online stories
Tools and Techniques
Fake news, misleading headlines, and biassed stories can spread easily, blurring truth and fiction. To navigate this digital world effectively, we need to develop critical thinking skills.
Techniques for Critically Assessing Online Stories
Source Evaluation
Consider the source of the information. Is it a reputable news organisation with journalistic standards? Is it a blog, personal website, or social media post with unknown bias?
Evidence and Citations
Does the story provide evidence to support its claims? Are there links to credible sources for further investigation?
Emotional Language and Framing
Be aware of emotionally charged language or biassed framing techniques used in the story. Are they trying to evoke fear, anger, or sympathy to manipulate your perception?
Multiple Perspectives
Don't rely solely on a single source. Seek out stories from different perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Online Resources
Fact-Checking Websites
Utilise websites like Snopes, PolitiFact, or FactCheck.org to verify the factual accuracy of claims within the story.
Reverse Image Search
Tools like Google Images allow you to upload an image and see where else it appears online. This can help identify reused or misleading visuals.
Whois Lookup
Tools like Whois.com reveal information about a website's owner and registration details. This can offer clues about potential bias or source credibility.
Social Media Listening Tools
Platforms like Brandwatch or Sprout Social (paid options) can help track the spread of a story and identify potential manipulation or coordinated campaigns.
Browser Extensions
Extensions like NoScript or Ghostery can help identify suspicious scripts or trackers on a website, potentially indicating unreliable sources.