Science Common Sense

523 - How can we tell if a source of information is reliable?

To know if a source of information is reliable, ask these questions:

1. Who wrote it? Is the author an expert in the subject? Check if they're a doctor, scientist, or someone who knows a lot about the topic.
2. When was it written? Old information might be outdated. Look for the date when the article or website was last updated.
3. Why was it written? Is the author trying to sell you something, persuade you, or just inform you? Be careful if they're trying to sell or persuade you.
4. Is it supported by facts? Check if the information is supported by other credible sources, like scientific studies or facts.
5. Is there contact information? A reliable source should have a way to contact the author or organization.

If the answers are positive, the source is likely reliable.