SIFT Method: How To Check If The Information Is Trustworthy Or Not

The SIFT method is simple and smart way to check whether the information you see online is trustworthy. It was developed by media expert Mike Caulfield and is now widely used in schools and digital literacy workshops. 

The idea is to make people pause, take a step back, and do a quick check before believing or sharing anything. SIFT is an easy-to-remember word where each letter stands for a short action you can take to verify information.

S for Stop

This means before you click, share, or react, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself, do I know this website or person? Does it look real or trustworthy? Many times, fake stories spread because people act too fast. A few seconds of stopping can save you from spreading false news. 

For example, if you see a post claiming that a famous actor has died, don’t rush to share it. Stop and think before reacting.

I for Investigate 

Find out who is behind the information. Check their profile, website, or history. Are they known for sharing facts or for spreading rumours? You can also search their name on Google or Wikipedia to know more. 

For instance, if you come across a tweet from an unknown account claiming a new government rule has been passed, check if the same news appears on official sites or trusted media outlets.

Image Credit – Uchicago Library

F for Find Better Coverage

If something is true, more than one credible source will talk about it. So, look for other reports on the same topic. If a shocking claim appears only on one page or one YouTube channel, be careful. Search the headline or keywords and see what trusted news outlets are saying. 

For example, if a video claims a new dangerous virus has been found, check websites like WHO or government health departments to confirm it.

T for Trace 

Trace claims back to the original source. Many posts online are copied, edited, or taken out of context. Try to find where the image, video, or quote first appeared. Reverse image search on Google can help find the original photo or news article. 

For example, a viral photo of a burning building might be from another country or an old event.

The SIFT method is quick and practical. You don’t need to be an expert or spend hours verifying. 

With a little care, you can avoid falling for fake news and help make the internet a more reliable place.