Module 3 – Online Essentials

Lesson 3 – Evaluating Online Content and Understanding Online Risks

The internet contains vast amounts of information, but not everything online is accurate or trustworthy.
This lesson explains how to judge the reliability of online content, recognise misleading information,
understand common online risks and stay safe when browsing.

1. Reliability of information

When viewing information online, ask:

• Who published it? (government, school, business, unknown person)
• Is the author identified?
• Is it supported by evidence or references?
• Is it up to date? (check the published or updated date)

Reliable sources often include:

• Government websites (for example, gov.uk)
• Educational institutions (universities, schools)
• Trusted organisations (for example, NHS, WHO)
• Professional agencies and large, well-known companies

2. Recognising biased or misleading information

Not all online content is neutral. Some information may contain bias, promote opinions or attempt to persuade.

Signs of biased information:

• Emotional or sensational language (“shocking”, “must see”, “outrageous”).
• Lack of evidence, references or sources.
• One-sided arguments that ignore other views.
• Articles mainly designed to sell something.

Misleading information might include:

• False or exaggerated claims.
• Manipulated or edited images and videos.
• Fake reviews that are paid for or created by the seller.
• Exaggerated or “clickbait” headlines.

3. Fake news and misinformation

Fake news refers to false or misleading stories presented as real news.

Reasons fake news spreads:

• To get clicks and advertising money (clickbait).
• To influence public opinion or elections.
• To promote products or services.
• To spread scams or harmful content.

How to check if something is real:

• Look for multiple trusted sources reporting the same story.
• Check the date of the article and whether it is current.
• Check the website’s reputation and contact details.
• Use fact-checking services and official organisation websites.

4. Online advertising and tracking

Websites often display different types of advertising and may track user activity.

Common advertising types:

• Banner ads – images or boxes on the page.
• Pop-up adverts – new windows or boxes appearing on top of content.
• Sponsored articles – content that looks like news but is advertising.
• Tracking cookies – follow browsing behaviour to show personalised ads.

Users should be cautious of:

• Ads that look like genuine news articles.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers or “limited time” deals.
• Pop-ups requesting downloads or asking for personal details.

5. Online scams

Common online scams include:

• Phishing – fake emails or messages trying to steal login details.
• Fake shopping sites – extremely cheap products that never arrive.
• Tech support scams – pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected.
• Prize scams – “You have won a new phone!” asking for fees or details.

How to avoid scams:

• Check the website address (URL) carefully for spelling mistakes or extra words.
• Do not click unknown or suspicious links.
• Ignore pop-ups claiming problems with your device.
• Never give passwords or PINs by email, message or phone.
• Use secure websites (HTTPS) for payments and logins.
• Keep security software and browser updates installed.

6. Malware and other online risks

Malware (malicious software) is software designed to harm your computer or steal information.

• Viruses – programs that can copy themselves and damage files.
• Spyware – secretly collects information about you.
• Ransomware – locks files and demands payment to unlock them.

To reduce risk:

• Use up-to-date antivirus or security software.
• Do not open unexpected attachments, especially from unknown senders.
• Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.

7. Privacy and personal data

Personal information includes:

• Name, address, telephone number.
• Bank details and payment card information.
• Passwords and PINs.
• Date of birth.
• Photos and videos.
• Location data and travel patterns.

Good privacy practices:

• Only share personal information on trusted and secure websites.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication where available.
• Think before posting personal information or photos on social media.
• Review the privacy settings on social media and online accounts regularly.
• Be careful when using shared or public computers and always log out.

8. Safe downloading

To avoid problems when downloading files:

• Download files only from trusted websites and official app stores.
• Avoid illegal or pirated content (films, software, music).
• Scan downloaded files with antivirus software before opening.
• Be especially careful with executable files (for example, .exe).
• Cancel downloads that you did not start or that you do not recognise.

9. Safe use of online forms

Online forms often ask for personal details. Before filling in a form:

• Check the site uses HTTPS and shows a padlock symbol.
• Only provide information that is necessary for the service.
• Be cautious of forms asking for banking details or passwords.
• Check for signs of phishing: strange address, spelling errors, unfamiliar logo.

10. Responsible online behaviour and reporting

Staying safe online also means behaving responsibly and knowing how to report problems.

• Do not share or forward fake news, scams or harmful content.
• Report abusive or illegal content to the website or platform.
• Use “Report” tools on social media to flag bullying or harassment.
• Respect copyright – do not share or download content illegally.
• Follow your organisation’s or school’s acceptable use policy.
• Remember that your online actions form part of your digital footprint.

11. Practical Activity

• Find two websites on the same topic and compare their reliability.
• Identify one example of biased content on a news or social media site.
• Search for a known fake news headline and see how it has been reported.
• Check the privacy or security settings in your browser and adjust cookie or tracking options.
• Identify one online scam and describe how it works and how to avoid it.
• Write a short checklist of steps you would take before trusting a new website.