Media literacy / See the machineryDon’t just consume a claim.
Don’t just consume a claim.
Learn to inspect it.
Skepticism works best when it asks precise questions and stays willing to change its mind.
Lesson 01 / The denominator
A dramatic percentage can hide a small starting point.
Both descriptions can be mathematically true.
A headline, examined
“Risk increased by 50%.”
1% → 1.5%
In this illustrative example, the relative increase is 50%; the absolute increase is 0.5 percentage points. Ask for the starting point.
Illustrative arithmetic, not a real study or medical estimate.
A better reading habit
Five questions before you share.
01 / Who made it?
Identify the author, publisher and expertise.
02 / What is the source?
Follow the claim to the original study or data.
03 / What does it show?
Look at the sample, time frame, comparison and uncertainty.
04 / What is missing?
Ask for the baseline and other explanations.
05 / What does the headline add?
Separate a finding from the emotional story around it.
For health decisions, seek qualified medical advice and trusted public-health guidance. This page teaches evaluation, not diagnosis.