They Read Laterally, Not Vertically
When confronted with an unfamiliar source or a surprising claim, most of us read vertically—staying on the page to look for clues of credibility. Experts do the opposite. They immediately open new browser tabs and read laterally. This technique, identified
in Stanford University research, is a core habit of professional fact-checkers. Instead of trusting what a source says about itself, they leave the site to find out what other, more reliable sources say about it. A quick search can reveal if the source has a known bias, a history of spreading misinformation, or a solid reputation for accuracy.
They Investigate the Author and the Outlet
Before accepting information, an expert asks a simple question: “Who’s behind this?” They look for the author’s name and do a quick search. Are they a real person? Do they have expertise in the topic they’re writing about? Reputable news organizations are transparent about who owns them, who works there, and what their standards are. If you can't easily find out who wrote an article or who runs the website, that's a major red flag. Credible sources aren't anonymous.
They Hunt for the Original Source
Information gets distorted as it’s shared and re-shared. Experts know to “go upstream” to find the original piece of information. If an article mentions a scientific study, they try to find the actual study, not just another outlet’s summary of it. If a social media post shows a dramatic video, they use tools like a reverse image search to find where that video first appeared. This helps them see if a photo or video is being used out of context—for example, a picture from a different event or an old news story being presented as new.
They Assess the Evidence and the Tone
Strong claims require strong evidence. Experts look for links to primary sources, data, and verifiable documents. If an article makes bold assertions but provides no links or specific sources, it’s treated with suspicion. They also pay close attention to the tone. Misinformation often tries to provoke a strong emotional reaction like anger or fear. Professional journalism strives for a fair and measured tone, while propaganda and clickbait often use loaded, sensational language. If it feels like the story is designed to make you furious, it's a good time to pause and be extra skeptical.
They Check How Errors Are Handled
Every news organization makes mistakes. What separates a credible source from an unreliable one is what happens next. Reputable outlets are accountable for their errors and correct them promptly and transparently. Experts look for a corrections policy and evidence that the source is willing to admit when it gets something wrong. A source that never corrects its mistakes, or that quietly deletes them without acknowledgement, is not demonstrating a commitment to accuracy.
They Consider Their Own Biases
The most advanced check is an internal one. Media literacy experts understand that their own beliefs can affect their judgment. We are all prone to confirmation bias—the tendency to embrace information that confirms what we already believe and reject information that challenges it. Experts consciously pause and ask themselves: “Do I believe this because the evidence is strong, or because I want it to be true?” Being aware of your own biases is a crucial step in preventing them from being exploited by those who spread false information.
