Teenagers often pick websites for research when they look "easy to read", and they tend to believe everything on the internet. However, this is a poor tactic to use. As teenagers, we should be aware of the reliability of websites. Sometimes these "easy to read" sites do not provide reliable information. It is important to understand the difference between reliable and unreliable sources.
When looking at a website, we should always check where the information is coming from. The first thing you should look at is the site name. If the website ends in ".gov" or ".edu", it is usually reliable. However, if the site name is really long, it is probobly unreliable. The next thing you should look at is the author or the source of the article. If the article seems to be written by a doctor, scientist, teacher, etc., it is probobly reliable. However, if the article is written by a teenager, or anyone that does not have the experience in that field, it is probobly not good information to use. After checking the credibility of the website, you should skim the information with the background information you already have. If it sounds familiar to you, or seems to match what several other sites are saying, it is good information. Maybe you can check the information with what an encyclopedia says. We all know that encyclopedias are always reliable. Lastly, it is important to check the date it was last revised. Sometimes, a website can be very old and contain information that is not updated. In this case, you could be getting information that is not current and it could be very unreliable.
The end.
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2 comments:
I definitely agree that many people tend to just find websites that are easy to understand. Especially if he or she isn't truly interested in the topic, or is pressed for time. We can definitely do much better.
All you've said coincides with what I've conculded/decided instinctively. Especially checking for consistency across websites and the encyclopedia.
Sarah, your post is very informative. I actually said a lot of things that you talked about! I also agree that people do pick sites because they are short and easy! I know I have been guilty of that in the past! I also agree that a .gov or .edu is usally reliabe. When I do research I try to find those kinds of sites.
~Amanda
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