Internet Sources Evaluation
For this essay you will explore the importance of analyzing internet sites as well as conduct an in-depth analysis of two websites related to your research topic. In class we will discuss many of the evaluative tools we use when determining the reliability of internet sites, including design elements, author/creator credentials, dates, evidence, advertising, tone, user-friendliness, and visual appeal. You will be considering several overall questions, such as: how do I approach website analysis? What tools are most important for me? How does my approach work when applied to actual websites? Here is the structure for your essay.
I. First, consider some larger, more contextual questions: what are the advantages and disadvantages of the internet? Some have spoken of the internet as “democratizing,” or that it enables anyone with access to a computer to share knowledge and opinions—does this have both benefits and drawbacks? Does traditional (or “old”) media incorporate important tests that information must pass in order to be printed or aired? How do many internet sites stand up to these tests?
II. In the second section of your essay, consider your personal views and experiences when it comes to the internet. How do you use the internet in your everyday life? In what ways do you rely on the internet when interested in learning about issues, topics, events, etc? How do you judge websites you come across? What makes you trust these sites or not? How consciously have you thought out your views on the reliability of the internet? In what ways have you made your own voice heard, on any number of issues? Have you made your voice heard via social media, comments sections, blogs, or even your own web site? Do you think you’ve often been naïve in your approach? Use specific examples.
Focus on defining for yourself why it is important to have a thoughtful approach to website analysis and which criteria are essential in doing this analysis and evaluation. Why is it important to think clearly about your approach and criteria? Which criteria seem to be the most important for you, and why?
III. Your third section will focus on specific examples, two internet sources that you have found, analyzed, and evaluated that relate to your research topic. Give the specific title of sites, videos, or posts, if applicable, but do not include the URL (web address) in your text. Over the course of several paragraphs, lay out your analysis and evaluation, using the principals of comparison-contrast. For example, if you decide to focus on author credentials for one source, make sure to address the same issue for the other. Zero in on particular strengths and weaknesses that you find.
IV. For your conclusion, clearly restate your final verdict regarding the two sources and whether you would recommend either of them as a source of information to someone interested in your topic, concisely summarizing why you came to your conclusion. How difficult was it to come to a final determination? Do you think people using the internet would come to the same
conclusions you have, or do you believe people could be easily misled by sources about your topic? Include any other overall impressions in the conclusion.
Avoid encyclopedia or newspaper sites, but otherwise use stand-alone websites, video sites (such as YouTube), message-boards (like Reddit), Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, among others), blogs, or other sources you may find.
Topic-CIA/Cocaine: Is there any truth behind the claim that, in the 80s, the CIA helped Latin American guerilla groups funnel cocaine into the United States so they could take a cut for funding illegal activities? How do you view the treatment of Gary Webb, an award-winning reporter whose reputation was ruined and who eventually committed suicide when he investigated the story?
sources to use- https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/special/cia.html
https://ips-dc.org/the_cia_contras_gangs_and_crack/