With so much going on in the world, and so many outlets on the internet, it can be difficult to navigate how trustworthy a source, website or link really are. We want you to understand some things to consider as you approach different websites across the internet that may help keep you and your personal information safe.
Timeliness. When was the information you are considering written? Has the content been updated or direct you to other relevant or concurring sources? If so, then it may be worth following those channels to get a well-rounded idea of the topic or answer. If the content seems outdated or hosts unsupported links, it may be a good idea to consider other sources for more relevant details to your search.
Relevance. When you read through the sources your search has brought you to; how well does that content really align with your inquiry? Are you the intended audience? Considering the audience and how similar what you are reading is to your search can skew the answers you may receive from it.
Authority. The individual who wrote the content on a given page plays a significant role in how it is intended and perceived. Never has this point been more prevalent than in the age of the internet. Today, everyone can be “someone”, so it’s important to analyze how consistent and credible the individual is in regard to what they have written.
Accuracy. Supporting sources is not a concept reserved only for collegiate essays; it applies to any piece of information available. Of course, in the end, how accurate you believe information to be, is up to you. Yet, when reading, analyze whether or not there are supporting documents, links or articles to what you are reading. Is the literature published anywhere else or peer-reviewed?
Purpose. Why someone felt compelled to write and share something on the internet matters – a lot. Something as innocent as a promotional email to virus-laden links exist online; its important to pause when confronted with an unsettling pathway online.
The internet has become so profoundly ingrained in our daily lives that it is unlikely we will discontinue it’s use any time soon. Yet, we can navigate it with a bit of caution and understanding in order to keep ourselves, families and business safe.
To learn more about how to be safe online, or inquire about how we work to keep your business safe online, visit us online at jellywebsites.com or call us at 951.371.9327 today!