Evaluating the credibility and reliability of Internet sources

¶ … newspapers and information that we find on the Internet is the fact that, in the former case, information is checked and approved by editors or people in charge of evaluating its accuracy. This is not the case for the Internet, where virtually anyone can buy a domain, make a Web page and spread information. How do we know what is accurate and reliable here?

Several interesting articles on the Web itself refer to this subject. First of all, we should look at the language used in information presented on the Web. For example, slang language or aggressive words, as well as boasting statements can generally be ignored as irrelevant ("this is the most important idea ever conceived"

). Another source for evaluating accuracy and reliability is the sources referenced. Indeed, an article that has reliable sources, such as encyclopedias, known books or textbooks, etc. is more likely to contain useful information.

The author of an article is often an indicator of the article's accuracy. From his brief biography, generally mentioned at the end of each article, we may learn what qualifications and studies have granted him the possibility of sharing information with the reader. Additionally, the support of an organization, on behalf which the information is presented, is also useful and its credentials may influence the overall credibility of the article.

For example, the following article has appeared in National Geographic (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/10/1002_031002_cometstudy.html) and it refers to the origins of life on Earth. In the author's opinion, life may have been brought about by comets. The article is credible because of several aspects. First of all, it expresses an opinion of one of the most prestigious magazine in terms of science and technology. Second of all, throughout the article are quotes from different scientist and people specialized in the matter, such as Bill Irvine, professor of astronomy at the University of Massachusetts.