The internet is full of information. That doesn’t mean it’s full of truth.
Whether you’ve heard something on a podcast, read it in a meme, or had a friend send you a viral link, it’s normal to wonder if what you’re looking at is real. But knowing how to check, carefully and critically, is what sets thoughtful people apart from those stuck in loops of misinformation.
This guide breaks down how to research things you’ve heard online, what red flags to watch for, and where to go for more trustworthy sources. This version goes deeper to help you learn not just what to do, but why it matters.
1. Start by asking: who said this, and why?
- Look for the original source. Who is making the claim? Can you trace it to a specific person, organization, or publication?
- What do they stand to gain? Are they selling a product, pushing a belief, or appealing to a specific political group?
- Is the speaker or site transparent? Are their credentials and motivations clear?
People spreading misleading content often hide behind vague bios, generic logos, or anonymous accounts. Transparency matters. If they are not open about who they are, be cautious about what they say.
2. Check the publication date and context
- Information can lose accuracy quickly. Especially in science, medicine, and politics, new developments happen often.
- Check whether the content is old news being presented as current. Was it published five years ago but made to look recent?
- Look at what else was happening at the time. Sometimes quotes or clips are taken from one situation and used to suggest something completely different.
Context is just as important as the facts themselves.
3. Use multiple sources, and compare coverage
- Always look for more than one source. If a claim is important, other outlets will usually cover it.
- Try to find coverage from a mix of political and geographic perspectives. Don’t only read sources you already agree with.
- Look for how the story is being framed. Are facts being selectively highlighted or left out?
Real journalism cites sources, provides nuance, and avoids jumping to conclusions. Sensational headlines with no supporting content are a red flag.
4. Look up the reputation of the site or speaker Some tools that can help:
- Media Bias/Fact Check: Gives background on political bias and reliability
- NewsGuard: A browser extension that rates credibility using transparent criteria
- AllSides: Lets you compare how the same news is covered by outlets from different political viewpoints
For fact-checking viral claims:
- Snopes: Covers internet hoaxes and urban myths
- HealthNewsReview: Breaks down health news, especially overblown medical headlines
- SciCheck (FactCheck.org): Focuses on science and health misinformation
5. Watch out for red flags and manipulation tactics
- No links or vague sourcing: Real information includes a trail you can follow.
- Emotionally charged language: Watch out for headlines or posts that try to make you feel angry, afraid, or smug.
- Manipulated images or screenshots without links: Use reverse image search to verify photos.
- Overuse of caps, emojis, or dramatic punctuation: Often a sign of clickbait or misinformation.
- Claims that only they have the truth: “The media won’t tell you this” or “Wake up!” are meant to create distrust, not dialogue.
These tactics work because they bypass your logic and play directly to emotion. Stay alert to how content makes you feel.
6. Be careful with certain websites
- Wikipedia is a good way to get general context, but it should never be your final source. Check the footnotes at the bottom and follow those links instead.
- Sites that have no listed authors, no editorial standards, or no real-world presence are harder to trust.
- Some websites mimic the design of legitimate news outlets to confuse readers. Always double-check the domain name and look up reviews of the site.
Tip: If you’re not sure whether a site is reliable, search its name followed by “fact check,” “reputation,” or “credibility.”
7. Search smarter Search engines can either mislead or clarify, depending on how you use them.
Try these tricks:
- Use quotation marks to search exact phrases: “vaccine microchip tracking”
- Add “site:.gov” or “site:.edu” to find government or university sources
- Combine a claim with the word “fact check” or “hoax” to surface analysis
Example: Instead of searching “climate change is a hoax,” try “is climate change a hoax site:.edu” to get science-based results.
8. Don’t just confirm. Try to disprove. It’s easy to search for things you already believe. But critical thinkers look for challenges, not just validation.
Instead of asking, “Is this true?” try asking:
- What evidence would prove this wrong?
- What do people who disagree say, and why?
- What would I need to see to change my mind?
This shift in mindset helps avoid the trap of confirmation bias, which is when you only seek out things that support what you already think.
9. For serious claims, find the primary source When a post mentions a study, a court case, or a law, find the original.
Primary sources include:
- Government websites (.gov), such as public health agencies or legal databases
- University websites (.edu), for research papers and expert analysis
- Peer-reviewed journals
- Official transcripts or legal filings
Example: If someone says “a judge ruled X,” search the name of the case and check the official court records.
10. Be okay with pausing Not knowing right away is better than repeating misinformation. If you feel unsure, give yourself time. Ask for sources. Look it up. Talk it through.
It is more thoughtful to say, “I’m still checking on that,” than to spread something just because it feels urgent.
Critical thinking isn’t about being cynical. It’s about being patient, curious, and careful.
Doing research online takes practice. There’s no perfect list of approved sites, and sometimes even reliable sources get things wrong. But if you stay open, ask good questions, and look for evidence rather than certainty, you’ll start to build better habits.
The truth isn’t always simple, but the process of getting closer to it is worth your time.
And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is, “Let me double-check that before I share it.”
