You will learn
- How to use lateral reading to verify information from a post or article.
- When to click through to a link or search result and when to move on to the next one.
- The difference between primary and secondary sources.
As you explore the internet, you come across a lot of new sources of information, some of which may be questionable. It’s smart not to take everything you see at face value.
Conversation starters
Using lateral reading to find reliable information
Most of us have been taught to read an entire article to understand what it’s all about, and that’s good advice. But lateral reading, a concept developed by the Digital Inquiry Group teaches us to read beyond that one source.
As you see information online, open up your favorite search engine and plug in keywords. Search for the people, places and things mentioned in the post. Confirm what you’re reading with reputable sources.
Learn about the authors or creators. Are they experts on that topic, journalists reporting the news, or are they simply individuals sharing their personal views?
Next, research the information referenced in the article. Where was that information published? Is it posted on a credible news site, on social media or on a site that shares claims without any evidence? Where the information lives is important, because it may determine its reliability.
Finally, check what other sources are saying. Different sources can emphasize different parts of the same story. Reading a variety of sources gives you more context and leads you closer to the truth.
Activity
Take a moment to scroll through your social media feed and find a post or article that expresses an opinion you agree with. Using lateral reading, open some tabs and search for a post or article that looks at the same topic from a different perspective. Compare it to the original post from your feed and consider these questions:
Identifying primary and secondary sources
One benefit of lateral reading is following information back to its source. If reporters write about something, they have to get information from somewhere. This is why it’s important to know the difference between primary sources and secondary sources.
Primary sources are original sources of information, including anyone with direct knowledge of a situation. Examples of primary sources include:
Secondary sources use primary sources to give you a broader understanding of an event or phenomenon, adding a layer of analysis and interpretation. Some examples include:
Journalists attribute information to their sources and provide links where possible. So if you’re reading a news article, you’d know if it’s credible if you can find your way to the original source of information. From there, lateral reading can help you verify sources and find where a piece of information began its journey.
How can I evaluate what qualifies a source as reputable?
Even after practicing lateral reading and investigating sources, you might be left wondering about its trustworthiness. If you’re familiar with a source or have a specific view on a topic, you might already have a bias toward or against it. It’s important to examine your own biases and ask if they might be interfering with your evaluation of a source. You can do this by:
Vocabulary check
Takeaway
When debunking claims or finding reputable sources online, it’s essential to be vigilant about the links you encounter in your search results and to scrutinize potential misinformation tab by tab, using keywords to refine results. To avoid misinformation, don’t click on sponsored ads or the first link you encounter.
References and Resources
