
Source Credibility
On social media, the line between credible and non-credible content is often blurred. Posts may circulate widely before any verification is possible—random screenshots, anonymous accounts, or influencer rants are often treated as fact, even when their claims are unsubstantiated. Some content lacks clear sourcing at first but can later be traced back to reliable origins. Similarly, subject matter experts may not hold official credentials or institutional affiliations but produce consistently trustworthy content based on past work. Because of this complexity, we believe a rigid scoring system fails to capture the nuances of credibility in social media. On our platform, source credibility is assessed qualitatively. Instead of assigning points, we examine each trend’s roots—whether it stems from reputable journalists, organizations, or firsthand evidence. This flexible, context-based approach helps us remain accurate without oversimplifying the trustworthiness of fast-moving online narratives.
Research
Our decision to maintain a qualitative approach in evaluating social media credibility was informed by two studies. A 2022 study by MIT researcher David Rand found that everyday users, when given context, could reliably assess the credibility of online posts and filter out misinformation. A 2022 study led by NYU political scientist Joshua A. Tucker demonstrated that rigid credibility scoring systems often oversimplify the dynamic nature of social media content and that audiences respond more effectively to contextual and qualitative cues.
Works Cited :
Rand, David G., et al. “Empowering Social Media Users to Assess Content Helps Fight Misinformation.” MIT News, 16 Nov. 2022, https://news.mit.edu/2022/social-media-users-assess-content-1116.
Tucker, Joshua A., et al. “Social Media, Political Polarization, and Political Disinformation: A Review of the Scientific Literature.” New York University, 2022, https://www.ssrc.org.