Digital literacy starts with asking where a claim came from

Digital reading involves more than decoding words. A reader must often identify authorship, sponsorship and context while navigating headlines designed to attract attention. A polished page or confident voice does not establish that a claim is supported by evidence.

Practice a short verification routine

Open the source behind the claim. Check its date, whether it actually says what the post asserts and whether it is describing evidence or opinion. Search a distinctive phrase to see if an old story is being recirculated. Keep a distinction between a primary document and a summary of it.

Make room to pause

Not every uncertain claim needs an immediate verdict or repost. Saving an item for later review is a legitimate response. Educators can model the process openly, showing how they correct an initial impression when better information appears. The skill is a repeatable habit, not confidence that one can never be fooled.

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