Evaluating Internet Resources :: Internet Research - Reliable Sources

The Internet has become a popular source for retrieving information on practically any subject. This information can generally be retrieved in a matter of seconds. With the popularity of the internet as a research tool it’s important that the information received is reliable and accurate. In general, when one uses a search engine to perform a search on the internet, the quantity of information returned is astronomical. â€Å"In a world of information overload, it is often extremely difficult to get a grip on the correctness, completeness and the legitimacy of the information and material available in the internet.† (Prins). If the user does not thoroughly research the information they receive from certain web sites they could receive misleading and invalid information. It is extremely important that the information received is reliable and accurate. For example, someone could be researching a medical condition on the internet and they believe that all the information they have received is true. The pickup on a site that recommends a treatment regiment that promises to eliminate the problem. They realize that their systems have worsened and the recommended treatment is not working. This incorrect information that the user received from the internet can be devastating for the user or even led to death. Anyone can post anything on the internet. â€Å"Unlike most traditional information media (books, magazines, organizational documents), no one has to approve the contents before is made public.† (Prins). Everyone who uses the internet need to be mindful, that because the information is on the web, doesn’t make it true. Many of us forget this fact because at one time most things that were in print were true. But today as it relates to the internet that is not a true statement. All the information that is retrieved should be verified for its accuracy. To verify the information retrieved is valid there are a few things the user can do. The user should verify the author. Here are a few ideas to verify the author and check objectivity; is the author knowledgeable; is the credentials and organizational affiliations listed; has the author written other material relating to the subject; is the author stating a fact or is it their opinion; is the information one sided or is more than one view point shared; is the information trying to sway the reader; is the information based on fact.