Author: T.K.
Date: 13 April 2026 (original)
Most of what we think, say, and do each day happens quickly. That is necessary. Experience trains us to make fast judgments so we can function efficiently. [1] {see reference notes}
But not all information deserves a quick response.
When a claim influences your beliefs, your decisions, a work project, or what you pass on to others, it is worth slowing down. Some information carries consequences. Those moments require more than instinct — they require verification.
Before you accept, use, or share important information, apply a deliberate check. The following process is a good, quick process to use when you are reading things online.
Developed by Mike Caulfield [2]
SIFT is designed specifically for quick online verification.
S – Stop (Pause)
Pause before reacting or sharing. If the claim is emotional, shocking, or perfectly fits your beliefs — slow down.
I – Investigate the source (Source)
Who runs the website?
What is the date of the information? Is information outdated?
What is their reputation?
Are they transparent about authorship?
Quick trick: Google the site name + “reliability” or “controversy.”
F – Find better coverage (Confirm)
Don’t dig deeper into the same site. Open a new tab and search: “Claim + news”
Look for confirmation from established outlets.
FactCheck.org | Snopes.com | PolitiFact
T – Trace to the original context (Context)
Is the quote real?
Is the statistic from an actual study?
Was the image reused from an old event?
Most misinformation falls apart here.
Purchasing Something (Salesperson, advertising, other)
[in progress]
Pause – Take time to decide
Do not Sign Immediately. Never sign a contract or make a purchase on the spot
If the purchase is significant such as a work contract (new windows, roofing, etc.) and the cost is significant get at least 3 quotes prior to deciding which contract or purchase to make.
Was the image reused from an old event?
Notes:
[1] – Most decisions in a day are recurring, low risk/value decisions. Others have estimated that 95% to 99+% of decisions should be quick (and usually are quick). These decisions are usually handled using fast thinking based on the availability heuristic. It is good to make most decisions fast … unless this is something new and has high value.
[2] – Mike Caulfield, SIFT (The Four Moves); reference (Link)