Tech Report: Internet Users Remain Skeptical About Online Info

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – While more and more people are turning to the Internet to find information, they are also more skeptical about what they're finding.

A new study by USC's Center for the Digital Future found that three-quarters of Internet users rate the Web as an important source of information. But 15 percent said that they find only a small portion of what they find to be reliable.

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid:

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid said users have every right to be skeptical.

"I think there are certain things we can believe on the Internet just as there are certain things we believe in the real world," said Magid. "For example, media sites, established media networks and government sites. But even media can make mistakes. I think it's a good thing that we're skeptical and very good that we're skeptical of things we find on social networks."

Magid said this is especially the case with online blogs as most users are quickly realizing which ones they can trust and those that are from reliable sources.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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