Disinformation, Misinformation and Media Literacy

In today’s world, we’re bombarded with information from the news, social media, and even our friends and family. But how can you tell if what you’re seeing or hearing is true? That’s where media and information literacy come in!

The Problem:

The internet has made it easier than ever to share information, but it’s also made it easier for false information, or misinformation and disinformation, to spread. Misinformation is false but without malicious intent, while disinformation is false and with malicious intent. This “fake news” can be harmful, leading to confusion, bad decisions, and even violence.

Examples:

Imagine you see a post online claiming that eating a certain fruit can cure all diseases. This might be appealing, but without checking the source and verifying the information with reliable sources like medical websites or doctors, you can’t be sure it’s true.

Other online resources:

Many great websites and organizations can help you develop your media and information literacy skills. These resources can teach you how to: