When there is disagreement between what the website says about itself and what reputable independent sources say about the website, what should you trust?

• A. The website
• B. Public opinions
• C. The advertisers
• D. Independent sources

Answer: (D)

When evaluating credibility, external verification matters more than a site’s own claims. A website has incentives to present itself in the best possible light, so its statements can be biased or selective. Independent, reputable sources assess claims with evidence, follow documented methods, and cite their data, making their evaluations more objective.

If those independent sources say something different from what the site claims about itself, trust the independent sources. They’re not driven by the site’s interests and are more likely to reflect verifiable facts or findings. Public opinions and advertisers can be biased or uninformed, so they’re less reliable for determining factual accuracy.