We have two strategies and one habit to help you better evaluate information on the web. We’ll detail each in turn, but here they are in one place. The strategies:

• Go upstream. Most web content is not original. As much as possible, get closer to the point of origin before evaluating it.
• Read laterally. The web is exactly that: a “web” of sites, all pointing to one another and talking about each other’s content and worldview. Use that to your advantage, and consult what other sites say about your source and information. The truth is in the network.^[1]

And the habit:

• Check your emotions. Use strong emotional reaction to content as a trigger to check its accuracy.

Let’s talk about the habit first.