How to Critically Read an Article on the Internet
You come across an article on the internet that really supports your views. You get excited and share it widely.
But should you?
The first test should NOT be whether you personally agree with the sentiment. Remember the claims about immigrants catching and eating pets?
How should you read an internet article? What I’m going to share is relevant whether you are conservative or liberal, religious or secular.
What is the site that it was posted on?
The good thing about the internet is anyone can post information. The bad thing about the internet is anyone can post information.
What is the website on which the article is posted? Is it a personal blog or a recognized news source? Does it tend toward conservative or liberal values? Is it Christian, other religious/atheist, or secular?
These questions do not answer the question of whether the article is true or not. But it does help to set the context. Basically, what kind of articles do they publish? What is their worldview?
Who wrote the article?
Is this an anonymous (or even AI written) article or is it written by an already published author? Who are they and what kinds of articles have they published in the past? What is their bias (no one is unbiased). Many (not all) writers have a general message they are trying to convey through their articles.
Find out the facts
Go through the article and separate the facts from the commentary. Most writers will do more than just report the facts. Commentary can be valuable but clarify what is what.
Go to primary sources
Often writers will be reporting on events that took place. It might be possible to search for primary accounts of what happened. For example, someone says the government has announced X. Do a search to find out the actual text of what was said. You might be surprised.
Years ago, I came across claims that the CEO of Starbucks stated he did not want people with traditional views on marriage to be their customers. That didn’t sound right to me and so I tracked down what he actually said and it was very different from the claims I was hearing.
Read Starbucks, Same-Sex Marriage and Getting Facts Straight
Beware the culture wars
I have already touched on this but understand that much that is written online today is aimed at fighting battles in the culture wars. Liberals accept what liberals say and conservatives accept what conservatives say. Instead look for the truth, even if it contradicts what you were hoping was the truth. The truth is not necessarily what supports your side.
Too Good to Be True
Be watching for articles that seem “too good to be true.” What I mean by that is that some articles make things look very black and white. One side is completely in the right and the other side is completely in the wrong. Something has happened that has totally vindicated one side. Or so it seems. Look for the nuance that normally goes with reality.
What are other people saying?
Are other people writing on this same issue or event? Are they saying the same thing? Are there people who have a different perspective? It can be very valuable to find a variety of perspectives on the topic of the story.
Reality
The truth is that you cannot do all of this for every article you read on the internet. Look for red flags. When someone says something that seems outrageous, even if it supports your position, then do your homework.
If you are going to share something, do not assume what you share is true unless you do some of this work. It affects our integrity when we share stories that are misrepresentations, whether accidental or deliberate.
