The information you receive through social media and messaging apps isn't always real or accurate even if it comes from someone you know.

While we may have a quick access to a wealth of information on the Internet, we should pause and think: How valid is the information? False information can cause prople to make bad decisions or even chaos in the society. Here are ways to help us evaluate the information we receive online:

Evaluating Information

• Source. Is the source of information trustworthy?
• Understand. Understand what you are reading. Look for facts rather than opinions.
• Research. Go beyond the initial source. Compare the information with multiple sources.
• Evaluate. There are at least two sides to a story. Find the balance. Exercise fair judgement.

Examine the Source of Information

• Authority. Check out the author’s background to see if they are qualified to produce such information.
• Coverage. Know what topics are covered and if they are in-depth or brief.
• Currency. Find out when the source was published and if it has been updated recently.
• Objective. Ponder on the reason why the author wrote the information and what they hope to achieve.