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Lateral Reading

An introduction to lateral reading skills and techniques to help evaluate sources.

Investigate Claims

Lateral reading can be used to investigate claims.

Notice how the following examples recommend lateral reading without calling it that.

@newslitproject In for 2024: not falling for viral misinformation. #FactCheck #MediaLiteracy #2024 #Election #LearnOnTikTok ♬ original sound - News Literacy Project
@newslitproject Within hours of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, conspiracy theorists, trolls, and partisans started spreading false and evidence-free claims that blamed the disaster on everything from diversity programs to cyberwarfare. Breaking news events are frequently targeted with misinformation, so make sure to practice News Literacy skills while scrolling your feed. #Baltimore #Bridge #BreakingNews ♬ original sound - News Literacy Project

Use the Rumor Guard 5 Factors

Check out Rumor Guard from the News Literacy Project to learn about five factors you should consider when evaluating the credibility of a claim. Then use the techniques associated with each factor to apply your knowledge!