Keep these things in mind when deciding if a web page is reliable and appropriate for your research:

There are several main criteria for determining whether a source is reliable or not.

1. 1) Accuracy. Verify the information you already know against the information found in the source.
2. 2) Authority. Make sure the source is written by a trustworthy author and/or institution.
3. 3) Currency.
4. 4) Coverage.

As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias.

• authority/credibility.
• accuracy/verifiability.
• bias/objectivity.
• currency/timeliness.
• scope/depth.
• intended audience/purpose.

There are six (6) criteria that should be applied when evaluating any Web site: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and appearance. For each criterion, there are several questions to be asked. The more questions you can answer “yes”, the more likely the Web site is one of quality. What about the news?

How to Find Reliable Information on the Internet

1. Can you find reliable information on the internet?
2. Search on Google Scholar.
3. Check the author credentials.
4. Look at statistics.
5. Evaluate the website itself.
6. Check what they are selling.
7. Go to primary sources.
8. The bottom line.

#1 There is no quality assurance when it comes to information found on the Internet: Anyone can post anything. #2 In most cases, information found on the web has not been checked for accuracy. #7 Some web sites seek to scandalize and breed controversy rather than provide reliable information.

In the today’s connected world, online media is playing a significant role in establishing a brand reputation and thus every brand has a complete marketing strategy for online users. Ever since its inception, Internet has played a huge role in deciding factor for online users.

No doubt, the Internet can be an extremely useful tool for young people. But instant messaging, chat rooms, emails and social networking sites can also bring trouble – from cyberbullying to more serious Internet dangers, including exposure to sexual predators.

Books. Academic books, such as textbooks, are in most instances written by experts in the pertinent field and are therefore considered reliable sources. Such books undergo a quality process at publishers where one or more editors manage the publication of the book and give recommendations on what can be improved.

Although cyber security software can help protect against some threats, the most important safety measure is open communication with your children.

• Cyberbullying.
• Cyber Predators.
• Posting Private Information.
• Phishing.
• Falling for Scams.
• Accidentally Downloading Malware.
• Posts that Come Back to Haunt a Child Later in Life.

If you ever get involved in any messaging or online chats that make you feel uncomfortable or in danger for any reason, exit and tell a parent or other adult right away so they can report it.