Digital Media Today

 Always check your sources!  

     Always check the validity of the website your are researching or    publication.  Reliable sources often come from well-known and established news organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, as well and peer-reviewed journals. (Like the databses located on your high school website!)

 * Proceed with caution when using websites that have excessive pop-up ads, sensational click-bait headlines, or does not have an author associated with the article.  If the author is anonymous, that should raise suspicions!

 * If there is an author, check their qualifications.  Are they an expert on this topic and what are their credentials?  

 * Are there any citations listed and references? Reliable information should always be backed by valid resources.  Does the article  include links to reputable studies, reports, or well-known news outlets?

 * What are your own biases?  Understand how your biases might influence your perception of information.  Be open-minded and open to self-reflection.

 * Look at the language and tone. Dramatic or exaggerated language that is emotionally charged and antagonistic can be a sign of biased or false content.

* And lastly, cross-reference information.  Is the information the same message from multiple sources?  Consistency among reliable sources may indicate that the likelihood of that the information is accurate!
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