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SWIFT Method for Evaluating Resources: Stop

SWIFT is a way to evaluate information you find online using fact-checking, lateral reading, and common tools like Wikipedia and Google.

STOP! Before You Share Summary

This image depicts a round logo with a stylized palm-out hand to represent the first step of the SWIFT evaluation method, which is to Stop or pause before sharing information.

  • Stop! is the first step in the SWIFT evaluation method. Stop or pause before you share information.
  • Ask yourself basic who, what, and when questions to make a decision if the website is trustworthy.
  • Use lateral reading, a fact-checking technique, to verify claims or content in the source you're evaluating.
  • Learn the definitions of source, claim, and troll. 
  • Be aware of your possible emotional reactions to the source.

STOP - Vocabulary & Glossary

Claim: a claim is a statement that purports to express something about reality. 

Source: A source is the place where a claim or other information can be found. 

Troll: A person who posts offensive or provocative content online with the intention of causing a strong emotional reaction.

Stop! Before Your Share

Click on the down arrow to continue through the interactive content.

 

For More Information

Did you get lost on a tangent while lateral reading? Or are you having problems searching for information about people, claims, websites, or corporations? Try these links with more information about search strategies: