4.The "STOP and CHECK" Method

Before trusting or sharing information online, ask yourself:

Who wrote it?

Can you find the author's name or organization?

Why was it created?

Was it made to:

• Inform?

• Sell something?

• Entertain?

• Persuade you?

Is there evidence?

Does it include:

• Research?

• Statistics?

• Expert sources?

• References?

Is the information current?

Look for the publication or update date.

Some information (especially health, technology, and news) can become outdated quickly.

Can you find the same information elsewhere?

If several trusted sources report the same information, it is usually more reliable.

Quick Tip: Search Before You Share

If something sounds surprising, shocking, or too good to be true:

✅ Pause.

✅ Search for it on another trusted website.

Taking just one extra minute can help prevent spreading misinformation.

Practice Activity

Imagine you find an article online with the headline:

"Scientists Say Eating One Banana a Day Cures Every Disease!"

Ask yourself:

• Who wrote this article?

• Does it cite scientific research?

• Can you find the same claim on the CDC or NIH website?

• Does it sound too good to be true?

If the answer is no, you should not trust or share it.

Remember

Reliable information helps you make safe and informed decisions.

When in doubt:

• Check multiple trusted sources.

• Ask a librarian.

• Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for medical advice.

Lastly:

• Never rely on a single social media post for important information.

• Always check who is providing the health advice. Trusted sources include doctors, hospitals, government health agencies, and major medical organizations.

• Be cautious of miracle cures. If a website claims one product can cure many different diseases, it's likely misleading.

• Talk to your doctor before changing medications or starting supplements based on something you read online.

• Use trusted health websites, such as:

  • CDC.gov (disease prevention and vaccines)

  • NIH.gov (medical research)

  • MedlinePlus.gov (easy-to-read health information)

  • Medicare.gov (insurance and benefits)

  • Mayo Clinic (patient-friendly medical information)

  • Cleveland Clinic (health conditions and treatments)

• Look for the publication date. Medical recommendations can change as new research becomes available.

• Never enter personal or financial information on a health website unless you're sure it's the official website (look for "https://" and the correct website address).
  
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