How can you fact-check information from aging sources?

1 Check the date

The first thing you should do when you encounter a source that is not recent is to check the date of publication, creation, or update. This will help you determine how old the information is and whether it is still valid or not. Some topics, such as science, technology, or politics, may change rapidly and require more recent sources. Other topics, such as history, literature, or culture, may be more stable and allow for older sources. However, even in these cases, you should be aware of the historical and cultural context of the source and how it may affect its perspective and bias.

2 Compare with other sources

Another way to fact-check information from aging sources is to compare it with other sources that are more recent, reliable, or authoritative. You can use search engines, databases, libraries, or experts to find and evaluate other sources that cover the same topic or issue. You should look for similarities and differences, agreements and disagreements, and confirmations and contradictions among the sources. This will help you identify any errors, gaps, or updates in the information from the aging source.

3 Consider the source

A third tip to fact-check information from aging sources is to consider the source itself and its credibility, reputation, and purpose. You should ask yourself some questions, such as: Who is the author or creator of the source? What are their credentials, qualifications, or affiliations? What is the type, format, or genre of the source? What is the intended audience, tone, or message of the source? How does the source cite, reference, or acknowledge its sources? How does the source relate to the current context, situation, or debate? These questions will help you assess the quality, reliability, and bias of the source.

4 Use tools and techniques

Verifying the accuracy and relevance of information from aging sources can be done with the help of tools and techniques, such as a reverse image search to find the original source, date, or location of an image. Web archives allow you to access previous versions of a web page or site, while fact-checking sites verify the accuracy and credibility of claims, statements, or stories. Verification codes can also be used to check the authenticity and validity of documents, certificates, or licenses. For example, ISBN for books or EIN for businesses. All these tools and techniques can help you fact-check information from aging sources.

5 Update your information

A final tip to fact-check information from aging sources is to update your information with the latest and most relevant data, facts, or figures. You should always check if there are any new developments, changes, or corrections that affect the information from the aging source. You should also cite your sources properly and indicate the date of access, retrieval, or consultation. This will help you avoid misleading, outdated, or inaccurate information and show your professionalism and integrity as a journalist.