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Lesson 1: Information Credibility - Separating Facts from Fiction Online

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to: - Identify key indicators of credible vs. questionable information online - Apply a systematic framework for evaluating online content - Recognize common tactics used to spread misinformation - Develop habits for fact-checking before sharing or acting on information

The Information Credibility Challenge

We’re living in what some call the “post-truth era,” where the sheer volume of information makes it increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Consider this: studies estimate that false news spreads six times faster than true news on social media platforms. And it’s not just an academic concern—misinformation can affect everything from your health decisions to your financial investments to how you vote.

The challenge isn’t just that false information exists (it always has), but that the digital environment has created perfect conditions for it to thrive:

  • Anyone can publish content without editorial oversight
  • Algorithms often prioritize engagement over accuracy
  • Our attention spans are shorter when consuming digital content
  • Social sharing happens with a single click, often before we’ve fully read or verified what we’re sharing

The good news? With the right skills, you can navigate this landscape with confidence.

The ESCAPE Method for Evaluating Information

When you encounter information online, the ESCAPE method provides a quick, practical framework for assessment:

E - Evaluate the Source

  • Who created this content? What’s their expertise on this topic?
  • What’s the website’s domain? (.edu, .gov, .org, .com, etc.)
  • Is there an “About” page with transparent information?
  • What’s their funding model? Who might influence their content?
  • Do they have a track record of accuracy or corrections?

S - Scrutinize the Content

  • Does it make claims that seem too good/bad to be true?
  • Is it presenting facts or opinions? How can you tell the difference?
  • Are sources cited for factual claims? Can you verify them?
  • Is the language measured or emotionally charged?
  • Are there spelling/grammar errors or unprofessional formatting?

C - Cross-check with Other Sources

  • Do other reputable sources report the same information?
  • What do fact-checking websites say about this claim?
  • Is there consensus among experts in the relevant field?
  • Are there significant perspectives missing from this account?

A - Assess for Timeliness and Context

  • When was this published? Is it current or potentially outdated?
  • Has new information emerged since publication?
  • Is the full context provided or are important details missing?
  • Is old content being presented as new or current?

P - Consider Purpose and Presentation

  • Why was this content created? To inform, persuade, entertain, or sell?
  • Does it use clickbait headlines that don’t match the actual content?
  • Are there excessive ads, pop-ups, or other revenue-generating features?
  • Does it appeal more to emotions than reason?

E - Examine Your Own Biases

  • Does this information confirm what you already believe?
  • Are you having a strong emotional reaction to the content?
  • Would you react differently if it came from a different source?
  • Are you rushing to judgment before fully evaluating?

[Suggested graphic: A flowchart or decision tree showing the ESCAPE method in action, with example questions at each stage and potential paths based on answers.]

Red Flags: Warning Signs of Potential Misinformation

While not definitive proof of false information, these warning signs should trigger your skepticism:

Content Red Flags

  • Dramatic claims with no specific sources cited
  • Use of phrases like “studies show” without naming the studies
  • Heavy reliance on anonymous sources
  • Perfect alignment with ideological positions
  • Claims of “suppressed” information that “they” don’t want you to know
  • Lack of coverage by multiple mainstream news sources
  • Excessive use of ALL CAPS, multiple exclamation points!!!!, or dramatic language

Source Red Flags

  • Recently created websites with no established history
  • No clear information about who runs the site
  • Mimicking legitimate news sources with slight variations in name or URL
  • No contact information or physical address
  • Excessive pop-ups, ads, or clickbait

Emotional Red Flags

  • Content that makes you feel extremely angry, frightened, or vindicated
  • Strong urge to share immediately without fact-checking
  • Content that portrays complex issues in black-and-white terms
  • Dehumanizing language about groups of people

Practical Exercise: Information Credibility Assessment

Let’s practice evaluating online information with a scenario:

You see a social media post claiming: “New study shows smartphone radiation causes brain cancer. Tech companies have hidden this for years!”

How would you apply the ESCAPE method?

E - Evaluate the Source: - Who posted this? Are they a health professional or scientific organization? - If it links to an article, what website is it from? Is it a recognized health or science publication? - Does the source regularly share health information? Is it generally accurate?

S - Scrutinize the Content: - Does it cite the specific study? Who conducted it? - Does it explain the research methodology and limitations? - Does it use emotional language rather than scientific terminology?

C - Cross-check with Other Sources: - What do major health organizations say about this topic? - Have other researchers studied this question? What did they find? - What do fact-checking websites say about this claim?

A - Assess for Timeliness and Context: - When was this study published? Is it recent research? - Is this a preliminary finding or well-established? - Is the post presenting old research as a new discovery?

P - Consider Purpose and Presentation: - Does the post or article seem designed to frighten people? - Is it selling something (like “protective” products)? - Does the headline match the actual content?

E - Examine Your Own Biases: - Do you already have concerns about technology’s health effects? - Are you prone to health anxiety that might affect your judgment? - Would you apply the same scrutiny if the study claimed smartphones were completely safe?

Fact-Checking Tools and Resources

The internet provides not just misinformation but also powerful tools to combat it:

Fact-Checking Websites

These organizations specifically investigate viral claims: - Full Fact (UK) - Snopes - FactCheck.org - Reuters Fact Check - BBC Reality Check

Specialized Search Techniques

  • Use Google’s Tools menu to limit results by date
  • Try searching for the claim + “debunked” or “fact check”
  • Use Google Scholar to find academic research on a topic
  • Check multiple pages of search results, not just the top few

Media Literacy Resources

  • Media Bias/Fact Check - rates news sources for bias and factual reporting
  • AllSides - shows how different political perspectives cover the same story
  • The Trust Project - identifies news organizations committed to transparency

Building Information Credibility Habits

Developing these habits will strengthen your information credibility skills over time:

  1. Pause before sharing: Take 30 seconds to evaluate before hitting that share button
  2. Read beyond headlines: Headlines are designed for clicks, not accuracy
  3. Verify before believing: Especially for claims that seem shocking or confirm your views
  4. Follow diverse sources: Expose yourself to different perspectives
  5. Use lateral reading: Open new tabs to check the source rather than staying on the same page
  6. Be skeptical, not cynical: The goal is discernment, not dismissing all information

Teaching Others About Information Credibility

One of the most effective ways to combat misinformation is to help others develop these skills:

  • Share your verification process rather than just contradicting false claims
  • Ask gentle questions that prompt reflection rather than triggering defensiveness
  • Acknowledge that we’re all vulnerable to misinformation
  • Focus on the importance of accuracy rather than “winning” arguments
  • Model good information hygiene in your own sharing practices

Conclusion

In a world where anyone can publish anything, the responsibility for separating fact from fiction has shifted largely to us as individuals. The skills you’ve learned in this lesson—from applying the ESCAPE method to recognizing red flags—are your first line of defense against misinformation.

Remember, the goal isn’t to approach all online information with cynicism, but rather to develop habits that help you efficiently separate reliable from unreliable content. By doing so, you can harness the tremendous benefits of our information-rich world while minimizing its potential harms.

In our next lesson, we’ll explore how to master search techniques to find exactly what you need online, cutting through the noise to get to valuable information quickly.

[Suggested graphic: A person with a “truth detector” tool examining different types of online content, with some items lighting up as credible and others as questionable. The detector could be labeled with the ESCAPE method components.]

Next Up: Lesson 2 - Search Mastery: Finding What You Actually Need