Anyone can publish online. These questions help you decide whether to trust a source, quote it, or share it, and when to dig deeper or look elsewhere.
Is the author or organization named? Can you find out what they do, who funds them, and whether they have expertise in the topic? Anonymous or vague “we” with no way to check is a reason to be cautious.
Is the goal to inform, to sell something, to persuade, or to entertain? Ads, sponsors, and “partner content” can shape what gets said and what gets left out. Knowing the purpose helps you read with the right level of skepticism.
Some topics change fast (news, health, tech). Check the date. For facts and stats, see if other reliable sources say the same. If only one site makes a big claim and no one else backs it, treat it as unconfirmed.
Does it cite studies, data, or experts? Does it acknowledge limits or other views? Sensational headlines, all caps, and “they don’t want you to know” language are often red flags. Calm, clear language and links to evidence are good signs.
For anything you might repeat or act on, try to find a second source, ideally one with a different angle or from a different type of organization. One source is a start; two or more that agree give you more confidence.