what is lateral reading

3 min read 17-03-2025

The internet is a vast ocean of information, but not all information is created equal. Distinguishing credible sources from misinformation is crucial, and that's where lateral reading comes in. This article will explore what lateral reading is, why it's important, and how you can master this essential skill in today's digital world.

What is Lateral Reading?

Lateral reading, simply put, is the act of verifying information online by opening multiple tabs and investigating the source's credibility before fully consuming the content. Instead of reading an article linearly from top to bottom, you read across multiple sources simultaneously. Think of it as fact-checking on the fly.

You encounter a claim on a website. Instead of immediately believing it, you open new tabs to investigate the author, the website itself, and corroborating evidence from other reliable sources. This process allows you to assess the validity of the information before accepting it as truth.

Why is Lateral Reading Important?

In the age of misinformation and "fake news," lateral reading is more critical than ever. The internet's ease of access also makes it easy to spread false or misleading information. Lateral reading provides a powerful tool to combat this. Here's why it matters:

Combating Misinformation: Lateral reading helps you identify biased, inaccurate, or manipulative content. By cross-referencing information, you can significantly reduce your exposure to falsehoods.
Improving Critical Thinking: This process enhances your critical thinking skills. You learn to evaluate sources, identify biases, and understand the context surrounding information.
Building Trustworthy Information Sources: Through lateral reading, you develop a network of trustworthy sources you can rely on for accurate and reliable information.
Boosting Your Research Skills: Lateral reading isn't just about verifying claims; it also improves your overall research skills, allowing you to quickly find relevant and credible information online.

How to Practice Lateral Reading

Mastering lateral reading is a skill that develops with practice. Here are some key steps:

1. Question Everything

Start by approaching online information with a healthy dose of skepticism. Don't blindly accept anything you read. Ask yourself:

Who is the author?
What is the website's reputation?
Is there evidence supporting this claim?

2. Open New Tabs

As soon as you encounter a claim or fact, open new tabs to investigate the source. Don't just rely on the information presented to you.

3. Investigate the Source

Check the "About Us" section of the website. Look for contact information, author credentials, and evidence of editorial oversight.

4. Cross-Reference Information

Seek corroboration from multiple independent and reputable sources. Does the information align with what other credible sources say?

5. Evaluate the Website's Design and Tone

Look for hallmarks of a reliable website. Is the design professional? Is the tone objective and unbiased? Are there clear citations and references?

6. Check for Red Flags

Be aware of potential red flags, such as:

Sensationalized Headlines: Clickbait headlines often indicate unreliable content.
Poor Grammar and Spelling: Errors in writing can indicate a lack of professionalism and credibility.
Anonymous Sources: Claims backed by anonymous sources should be treated with extreme caution.
One-Sided Arguments: Reliable sources present multiple perspectives, even if they ultimately favor one side.

Lateral Reading in Action: An Example

Let's say you read an article claiming that a specific food dramatically improves your health. Before accepting this claim, you would:

Check the author's credentials: Are they a qualified nutritionist or doctor?
Investigate the website: Is it a reputable health website or a blog with a clear bias?
Search for corroborating evidence: Do other scientific studies support this claim?

Only after this investigation would you consider accepting the claim as potentially true.

Conclusion

Lateral reading is an essential skill for navigating the complexities of the internet. It empowers you to critically evaluate information, identify misinformation, and build a foundation of reliable sources. By incorporating these techniques into your online research, you'll significantly improve your ability to discern truth from falsehood in the digital age. Mastering lateral reading is not just about verifying information; it's about becoming a more informed and critical thinker. So start practicing today and become a more discerning consumer of online information.