Produced by @empowervmedia Edited & fact-checked by @jorgebscomm Understanding how people get news has never been more crucial. (📷:foto.wuestenigel) T he Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025 shows a sharp shift away from traditional media toward social networks and video platforms for news . Across most countries, fewer people report regularly using TV, print, or news websites, while many more now rely on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and the like. For example, about one-third of respondents globally use Facebook (36%) or YouTube (30%) each week to get news. Other social apps also play a major role: roughly 19% turn to Instagram and 19% to WhatsApp for news, and TikTok (16%) is already ahead of X/Twitter (12%). These many “mini-newspapers” on our phones and feeds mean news consumption is more fragmented than ever. In fact, the study notes that six different online platforms now reach at least 10% of people weekly with news – up from just two platforms a decade ago ....
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Educational Challenges: Preparing Students to Confront Fake News, Misinformation, and More
Misinformation, a broader term encompassing unintentional or deliberate dissemination of false information, further complicates the landscape of information consumption. The blurring of lines between fact and opinion, coupled with the inherent biases and agendas of various information sources, makes it increasingly difficult for individuals to navigate the information landscape with confidence.
To better understand the pervasiveness of fake news and its impact on media literacy, let's take a look at this informative video from TED-Ed (3m41s):
How false news can spread.
Moreover, the emotional appeal and sensationalized nature of fake news can cloud students' judgment, making them more susceptible to believing and sharing false information. This, in turn, contributes to the spread of misinformation and the erosion of public discourse.
Teaching Communication and Media in the Age of Misinformation
Educators face a critical challenge in preparing students for a media environment saturated with fake news and misinformation. Traditional approaches to media literacy education, emphasizing basic source evaluation techniques, may be insufficient to address the complexities of the modern information landscape.
1. Critical Thinking and Evaluation Skills: Developing students' ability to critically analyse information, identify biases, and assess the credibility of sources.
2. Understanding Information Production and Dissemination: Exploring the mechanisms of information production, dissemination, and manipulation, including the role of algorithms, social media platforms, and political agendas.
3. Fact-Checking and Verification Techniques: Equipping students with the skills to identify and verify information, including using fact-checking websites and tools.
4. Emotional Literacy and Bias Awareness: Recognizing and addressing the role of emotions and biases in information consumption and sharing.
5. Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility: Fostering an understanding of the impact of misinformation on democratic processes and encouraging students to become responsible digital citizens.
The rise of fake news and misinformation demands a paradigm shift in media literacy education. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the information landscape, educators can empower them to become informed, discerning, and responsible consumers of media. This, in turn, can contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry, capable of making sound decisions in a world increasingly shaped by information.
*AI enhanced
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Washington State University: "Digital Dissensus: Discovering Truth in an Era of Misinformation" ▶️1h15m42s
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