๐ What is Lateral Reading?
Lateral reading is the practice of verifying information by consulting multiple sources to determine the credibility of the source you are currently reading. Instead of deeply reading the original source (vertical reading), you 'read laterally' by opening multiple tabs to investigate the website, author, and claims made.
๐ History and Background
The concept gained prominence in the digital age with the explosion of online content. Traditional methods of evaluating sources, which often involve deep, 'vertical' reading, proved inefficient and less reliable in the face of misinformation and disinformation. Research by Stanford History Education Group (SHEG) highlighted the effectiveness of lateral reading in combating online falsehoods.
๐ Key Principles of Lateral Reading
- ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Investigate the Source: Before trusting the information, identify the source's reputation and expertise.
- ๐ Check for Other Reporting: See what other reputable news outlets or organizations are saying about the topic.
- ๐ค Go Upstream to the Original Source: Find the original study, report, or data that the current article is referencing.
- โ ๏ธ Be Wary of Bias: Look for potential biases or agendas that might influence the information presented.
- ๐๏ธ Check the Date: Ensure the information is current and relevant. Outdated information may no longer be accurate.
๐ Real-World Examples
Let's say you come across an article claiming that "Coffee cures cancer!" Lateral reading would involve these steps:
- Verify the Source: Is the website a reputable medical journal or a blog with no scientific backing?
- Search for Other Reports: What do major news outlets and cancer research organizations say about the coffee-cancer link?
- Find the Original Study: Does the article link to a peer-reviewed study? Read the study's abstract and methodology.
Another example:
You are reading a blog post that cites statistics about climate change. Lateral reading would involve:
- Identifying the source: Who runs the blog? What are their credentials?
- Checking the data source: Where did the blog get the climate change statistics? Is it a reliable source like NASA or IPCC?
- Comparing with other sources: Do other climate change reports support the claims made in the blog post?
๐ก Conclusion
In a world overflowing with information, lateral reading is a crucial skill. By verifying information across multiple sources, we can become more discerning consumers of online content and avoid falling prey to misinformation and disinformation. Embrace lateral reading as your superpower for navigating the digital landscape!