Is This Information Trustworthy?

Finding information is easy. Deciding what deserves your trust takes thinking.

Use the Trust Check

WHO made it?

Can you identify the author, organization, expert, community, or source behind it? What experience or knowledge do they have?

WHAT evidence is provided?

Look for data, examples, documents, quotations, research, firsthand knowledge, or other support—not just confident language.

WHY was it created?

Is the purpose to inform, teach, sell, entertain, persuade, attract clicks, or something else? A purpose does not automatically make information false, but it helps you evaluate it.

WHEN was it made or updated?

Some information changes quickly. Other information remains useful for years. Ask whether the date matters for your question.

CAN I confirm it?

Look for independent sources that support, challenge, or add context to the claim.

WHOSE perspective is represented?

When information is about a community, culture, history, or lived experience, ask whether people from that community are represented accurately and allowed to speak for themselves.

Try It

You see a post that says, “Scientists proved this study trick doubles everyone’s grades.”

What would you want to know before trusting or sharing that claim?

💡 Funky Tip

A professional-looking page can still be weak evidence, and an unfamiliar source can still be useful. Check the evidence and context, not just the appearance.

I am smart.

Smart thinkers do not believe or reject something only because it matches what they already think.

🎒 Take It With You

WHO → WHAT EVIDENCE → WHY → WHEN → CONFIRM → PERSPECTIVE.