Consider the reliability of the source mentioned after 'according to' for evaluating the information. According to several eyewitnesses, the event was spectacular.
Pro Tip 2/3
Reported Information
Use 'according to' to introduce information you have read or heard but not verified. According to the brochure, this hotel has a gym.
Pro Tip 3/3
Secondhand Knowledge
'According to' often introduces information not directly obtained by the speaker. According to legends, this forest is enchanted.