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Misinformation and Disinformation

SIFT Method - Introduction

Not everything on the web is credible. Use the SIFT method to help you analyze online information, especially news, social media, or other random websites.

SIFT is an acronym that stands for:

  • Stop.
  • Investigate the source.
  • Find better coverage.
  • Trace quotes, claims, and media back to the original context.

The SIFT method was created by Mike Caulfield. All SIFT information on this page is adapted from his materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.

S.I.F.T - Evaluating Web Sources

   

STOP: Don’t read it or share media until you know what it is. Do you see evidence of personal bias? Do you trust the information you find here? What do you know about this website?

   

INVESTIGATE the source: Take a minute to identify where this information comes from and to consider the author's expertise and agenda.

   

FIND better coverage: Use Fact Checking sites (like Snopes). Use a library database to find more information. Compare information across sources and determine whether there appears to be a consensus.

   

TRACE to the original context: If the article cites research behind its claims, see if you can track those down. Once you find the original source, investigate it. What was originally said and in what context?.