Non-Credible Sources
Some sources are not considered credible because they rely on sensational headlines, unverified claims, or strong bias instead of factual reporting. These include tabloids, clickbait sites, blogs, and aggregator sources.
Non-credible sources often fall into several main categories.
Sensationalist Media
Sensationalist outlets use dramatic headlines or emotional language to attract attention rather than to inform. These articles often exaggerate facts, focus on outrage, or present rumors as news. They frequently use clickbait headlines to get more views or shares.
Examples: The New York Post, The Daily Beast, National Enquirer
Aggregator and Alternative Media
Aggregator sources mainly repost information from elsewhere instead of producing original reporting. They focus on speed rather than accuracy and often share unverified claims. Alternative media operate outside of traditional journalism and may not follow the same editorial standards.
Examples: Breaking911, Watcher Guru, Walter Bloomberg
Nontraditional Sources
Nontraditional sources include personal blogs, social media accounts, and commentary platforms that operate outside of professional journalism. They often mix opinion with fact, promote specific viewpoints, or lack the editorial standards and fact-checking found in traditional media.
Examples: Social media, YouTube channels, podcasts
Finding the Primary Source
When a non-credible outlet references a credible one, always use the primary source instead of the repost.
Example: Walter Bloomberg tweets a headline referencing AP News. Verify the information by checking the original AP News article.
A large number of non-credible sources does not outweigh a single credible report. If only non-credible outlets repeat a claim without confirmation from credible ones, it should not be treated as true.
Example: The Daily Beast, The Daily Mail, and Mashable published articles claiming Zelenskyy wore a suit, while Reuters reported he wore a suit jacket.
