Use ChatGPT and Search Engines to Verify Facts

Every day we read facts online — but not all of them are true. Learning to verify facts means checking whether information is accurate before you believe or share it. Both search engines (like Google) and AI tools (like ChatGPT) can help you investigate, but they work differently.

What Is a Verified Claim?

• A verified claim is a statement that has been confirmed as true by checking reliable sources.
• It is backed by evidence such as expert websites, scientific studies, or news organizations.
• It can be cross-checked — meaning two or more independent sources agree.
• An unverified claim has no clear source, cannot be confirmed, or relies on one opinion only.

How Search Engines Help

• Search engines index billions of web pages and return results ranked by relevance.
• Look for .gov, .edu, or trusted news domains when verifying facts.
• Always check the date — old articles may no longer be accurate.
• Compare results from at least two different search results.

How ChatGPT Helps

• ChatGPT can summarize a topic or explain why something might be true or false.
• Ask ChatGPT to explain both sides of a claim to spot bias.
• ChatGPT can make mistakes, so always cross-check its answers with a search engine.
• Use ChatGPT to generate search terms that help you investigate further.

The Fact Verification Process

1. Read the claim carefully and write it down.
2. Search for it using a trusted search engine.
3. Ask ChatGPT to explain the claim and identify any weaknesses.
4. Compare at least two independent sources.
5. Accept, update, or reject the claim based on your findings.