Media literacy, factual accuracy, and source reliability are major concerns. Especially in this day and age when there’s such a flood of information online that it’s easy to get lost between fact, fiction, and noise.

According to the American Psychological Association, people who are more exposed to misinformation are more likely to believe it. That, in turn, increases their chances of spreading it. Meanwhile, folks don’t have to believe misinformation to spread it: some people share info they know is fake just because it’s politically or socially useful to do so.

The APA explains that people are more likely to share misinformation when it aligns with their personal identity or social norms. Furthermore, they’re more likely to share it if the info is new or it makes them feel very strongly one way or another.

Generally speaking, most people don’t have the time to cross-reference every single claim they come across online. So, they have to rely on the reputation of a source. Credible and reliable sources will strive to always provide information or links about the original sources where they get their information from. This way, anyone can double-check the info instead of relying purely on the goodwill of the reporting source.

Furthermore, reliable sources will talk about the evidence behind the facts and claims they make. They’ll be open and honest about what researchers, studies, organizations, and academic institutions’ findings they’re basing their information on. The more transparency there is, the better for everyone.

However, there are some caveats when it comes to any source’s credibility. If, for example, the original source for a particular claim is a website, you have to evaluate its authenticity, too, not just the source reporting on that information.

To put it bluntly, governmental websites and those of well-known organizations will usually be more trustworthy than sites dedicated purely to making a profit.

That’s not to say that you can’t provide good reporting while also turning a profit, of course. There are many globally recognized news organizations whose entire reputations are built on a foundation of credible reporting.

But the other side of the coin is that—sadly—internet drama, clickbait, gossip, bias, and controversial opinions get a ton of attention because they make you feel intense emotions.

While every source (even the best ones) will make mistakes at times, it does not mean that all outlets are somehow equal.

Good sources are willing to fact-check their claims and own up to any mistakes they make. They’re huge on transparency and take responsibility for their errors. Bad sources are happy to ‘report’ on anything that’s going to get clicks and don’t care about factual accuracy.

Aside from the spread of accidental misinformation, you also have to consider the fact that some sources have political agendas. They’re willing to push through their biased opinions no matter what. Broadly speaking, you shouldn’t be resharing any overly emotionally charged social media posts that your gut is telling you might be too good or bad to be true.