Everyone has opinions but not everyone can be trusted or believed.

To be credible, opinions must be based on reliable sources and not simply based on unsubstantiated speculation.

People who have misinformed opinions too often spread incorrect information to others, which may result in further misunderstanding and the distortion of truths. Such was, and continues to be, the case of vaccinations leading to autism.

Although the original report and its author have been discredited over and over, belief in the connection between vaccinations and medical conditions continues to be fostered.

With the overwhelming access and power of social media, the spread of incorrect information for the average person has easily become a major concern.

In this age of technology, people want information instantaneously, often without considering if it is accurate.

Previous CBS news anchor, Dan Rather, lost his job after incorrectly reporting on President George W. Bush’s military records which he claims were authenticated by experts at CBS News. The documents were crucial to verifying that Bush’s military obligations had been fulfilled. However, the documents’ authenticity was called into question shortly after being released to the media. The documents were never authenticated

Social media contributes to the frantic need-to-know atmosphere but does not offer verifiable or in-depth information, another contributor to the spread of misinformation.

“Social networking sites are a top source [of news] for 27.8 percent of Americans,” according to Kristin Marino, in an article on schools.com.

In 2012, incorrect information and pictures regarding Hurricane Sandy spread rapidly via Twitter. The posted pictures had been taken at other times and did not portray the actual hurricane.

Once information is on social media, it is accessible to all and almost always impossible to retract. Worse, people remember what they want to remember and do not always see corrected information.

People must be cautious of the authenticity of sources. Authors of Internet forums, articles and web sites may be biased or have a very particular point of view.

Verifiable information can provide impartial insight and information, leaving readers to make up their own minds.

Freshman counselor Angela Dolan said, “It’s natural to want to place judgment and classify people in situations in certain categories, but from personal experience, research and other people’s experiences, once you have data and can make a more comprehensive picture, you can make a more accurate judgment.”

One may argue that valid sources, including doctors, trustworthy web sites and scientists, can provide correct information. However, educated opinions should not be formed based on information from a single source. A variety of sources is required in order to see several perspectives.

Opinions cannot be formed arbitrarily. Doing research before making assumptions makes for educated opinions and better global citizens.