Lateral reading is a method of evaluating information by verifying the credibility and reliability of a source through consulting multiple other sources while reading, rather than relying solely on the original source itself. It involves "reading across" different texts or opening new tabs to fact-check claims, check the author's credentials, examine the reputation of the publishing site, and compare how other trustworthy sources present the same information. Lateral reading is more effective than vertical reading because vertical reading limits the reader to examining only one source, often from top to bottom. This single-source approach risks accepting biased, incomplete, or misleading information since it depends entirely on the original site's presentation and claims. In contrast, lateral reading helps fact-check and cross-verify information in real time, leading to more accurate and comprehensive understanding. It helps readers identify bias, check for credible expertise, assess the trustworthiness of funding or sponsorship, and discover if multiple reliable sources corroborate the claims. In summary, lateral reading:
- Goes beyond a single source by checking multiple sources simultaneously.
- Helps detect bias, misinformation, and incomplete reporting.
- Builds a broader, more reliable knowledge base.
- Is a common technique used by professional fact-checkers to quickly judge source credibility.
This method builds stronger digital and media literacy skills, making readers more capable of distinguishing trustworthy information from false or biased content.
