Utilizing the Internet as a resource tool is very common. The number of searches done through Google this month will be approximately 2.7 billion. As a U-Tube video called Did You Know says, “Who did these people ask B.G. (Before Google)?” Obviously, with the Internet becoming the primary source to get information, it is extremely important to know how to tell credible from false information. Being able to determine Internet fact from Internet fiction is essential.

Unfortunately, this is not that easy to do. There is no fact checker on the Internet. People can virtually publish whatever they want. It is hard to know whether to take the information seriously or not. This leaves the door wide open for hoaxes, lies, and conspiracy theories.

Sometimes these falsehoods are relatively harmless. At other times they cause people to act on information that is not only inaccurate but even harmful. Just think what Adolf Hitler could do with the power of the Internet. We see this today in the spreading of hate and lies fomented by Al Qaeda in their attempt to spread radical Islam throughout the world.

So what can be done to filter Internet truth from lies? Many people have written on this topic. One such person is Susan Beck in a book called, The Good, The Bad & Ugly or Why It’s a Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources Evaluation Criteria. Virginia Tech has taken her work and summarized it for their students.

They say the first thing to examine is the credibility of the author or site. To do this, one should find the identity of the site’s author. Then one needs to determine if he/she is a valid source of information on the topic. Is the author associated with a recognized institution or organization? Does the publication have a reputation for reliability? Is contact information for the author or organization available on the site?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, the buyer is wise to beware. Much more searching will be needed to determine the reliability of the information.

It is also wise to see who the people are who give contrary information. Are they reliable? What do they say about it? Who presents the best case? Who is the more trustworthy source of information? Who has the greatest expertise in the area? Who presents the best proof for their position?

Virginia Tech also recommends checking the objectivity of the Internet source. If a radical terrorist is writing about the impact of suicide bombers on a country, for example, one might question his impartiality. It is one thing to present the facts and build a case from them. It is totally another to bend the facts to fit the case one is making. Along with this, they recommend paying attention to whether the web page is free of advertisements. Pages that are funded by organizations that have a vested interest in the subject are likely to present biased information.

The last two areas Virginia Tech instructs their students to consider are accuracy and currency. How reliable, updated, and error-free is the information? Does the site have an editor who verifies the information? How about spelling mistakes or other obvious problems? How current is the information? Is the page dated? What was the most recent update? These are other important filters through which to screen Internet content.

The Internet is a useful source of information. However, before applying it for serious purposes, it is essential that one makes sure the information gained is true and impartial. One must also determine if the intent of the author is above board and honest. If one is not sure about the Internet source from which he or she is getting information, my recommendation is to look elsewhere or be prepared for the problems that will come from basing one’s beliefs on lies and deceit.

For more information, contact the Web Master.