- Check who published the information and whether they have expertise.
- Look for dates, evidence and links to original sources.
- Pause before sharing — emotional headlines are a warning sign.
Every day we scroll past headlines, posts and videos that claim to have the answer. Some are excellent; others are outdated, biased or completely false. Learning to find reliable information online is one of the most valuable skills you can build, whether you are researching a purchase, a health question or a financial decision.
Check the source
Ask who published the content. Is it a recognised organisation, an expert, a news outlet with editorial standards or an anonymous account? Look for an About page, contact details and a clear editorial policy — like the one we publish at Domikyo.com. You can read how our team works in Welcome to Domikyo.com.
Look at the author
Reliable articles usually name an author or editorial team and explain their expertise. Be cautious when no one takes responsibility for the content.
Check the date
Information changes quickly, especially in technology, finance and health. A five-year-old article about interest rates or software may no longer be accurate. Look for published and updated dates.
Follow the evidence
Good content cites data, studies or official sources and links to them. Click through. Does the original source actually say what the article claims? Secondary sources often exaggerate or simplify.
If a claim makes you feel angry, scared or amazed, slow down before you share it.
Watch for red flags
- Sensational headlines and excessive capital letters.
- Claims that “experts don’t want you to know” something.
- No sources, or only links to the same website.
- Pressure to buy immediately or share urgently.
- Poor spelling and lots of pop-up advertising.
Use lateral reading
Professional fact-checkers open new tabs to see what other reliable sources say about a website or claim. If no reputable source confirms a surprising story, treat it with caution.
Be careful with AI-generated answers
AI tools can produce confident but inaccurate information. Use them as a starting point, then verify with trusted sources, as we explain in our guide to AI tools for everyday work.
A quick fact-checking checklist
Before you believe or share something, run through these questions:
- Who created this, and what is their expertise?
- When was it published or last updated?
- Where does the evidence come from, and can I see the original source?
- Why was it created — to inform, persuade, sell or provoke?
- What do other reliable sources say about the same claim?
Most misleading content fails at least one of these checks within a minute.
Spotting manipulated images and videos
Edited or AI-generated images are increasingly common. Look for odd details such as distorted hands, inconsistent shadows or blurred backgrounds. Use reverse image search tools to see where a photo first appeared and whether it has been used in a different context. For videos, check whether reputable outlets have verified the footage before treating it as real.
Helping friends and family
When someone shares misleading information, a gentle approach works best. Ask where they found it, share a reliable source and focus on the facts rather than blame. People are more open to correction when they do not feel embarrassed.
Trusted types of sources
Some kinds of sources are generally more reliable than others, although every source should still be evaluated. Official sources such as government agencies and regulators publish primary data and rules. Academic research in peer-reviewed journals undergoes expert review. Established news organisations usually follow editorial standards and publish corrections. Professional bodies offer guidance in fields like medicine, law and finance. Reputable explainers, including publications with clear editorial policies, can translate complex topics into plain language.
When a topic affects your health, money or legal rights, try to confirm key facts with an official or professional source before acting.
Building healthy information habits
Information overload makes careful thinking harder. Limit the number of sources you follow, turn off breaking-news alerts that add stress without value and set aside specific times for reading news. Read beyond headlines before forming opinions, and be willing to change your mind when new evidence appears.
Teaching these habits to children and teenagers is especially valuable. Encourage them to ask who made a piece of content and why, and discuss examples together. Strong information habits protect everyone in the family from scams, misinformation and unnecessary worry.
Frequently asked questions
Are Wikipedia articles reliable?
They can be a helpful starting point, but check the cited sources at the bottom of the page for important details.
How can I tell if a website is trustworthy?
Look for clear authorship, contact details, an editorial policy, dates and links to original sources.
What should I do if I shared something false?
Delete or correct the post, and share the accurate information. Owning the mistake builds trust.
Build a trusted reading list
Curate a handful of sources you trust, and keep learning with our smart learning habits. Scams often rely on fake information, so our smartphone security checklist is a helpful companion. Find more reader guides in the Blog section of Domikyo.com.
