Media Literacy

Validation feels good. However, when we surround ourselves with voices, news sources, and information that simply reinforce what we already believe, not only are we lacking a heathy amount of challenge to our thinking and environment, but it can distort our ability to accurately interpret and accept legitimate facts. Scroll to learn more about what #confirmationbias is, how it impacts you, and how to avoid it.

Government-controlled media should raise more than a few questions. But is that what PBS is? What about NPR? Are these news outlets controlled by the government? Swipe to learn the differences between state media and public broadcasting.

Books matter. Representation matters. Diversity matters. Swipe to learn why. What reasons would you add to this set? Swipe to learn why it is important to include diverse stories in your personal library, and to keep diverse books readily available in your local libraries.

Ever shared an article, and you can immediately tell who in the comments only read the headline? It's easy to see a headline, post, or couple of slides on social media and think you know the whole story, but understanding the purpose of headlines is a good reminder of why it is important to read the full article before you comment or share.

Propaganda is pervasive, but so is the accusation of propaganda. Where have you heard leaders call information they disagree with propaganda or where have you seen actual propaganda recently? Swipe through the slides to better name and identify the propaganda you see on your newsfeed.

Did that headline cause a strong emotional reaction? Did that article claim to have exclusive info? Did that tweet supposedly come from an expert on the topic? Before you share, SIFT! Taking just a few minutes to stop, investigate the source, find more coverage, and trace the claims can help stop the spread of misinformation.

Post-truth denotes “circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion” than one’s personal belief.

Polls can help us gauge what's going on, but it is important to understand their purpose, accuracy, and limitations.

You love your community. You love your local schools, restaurants, and small businesses. And you love keeping your eye on local politics to ensure that the things you love are funded, improved, and prioritized. That's why we want to send some serious love to local news outlets. Check out the slides to see how local news organizations support the many things you ❤ about where you live. 

Influencer opinions are shaping public opinions, attitudes, and perceptions, but should we take them seriously? Read to learn more about the impact, power, and drawbacks of social media influencers.

What stories do you remember about a president butting heads with the press? Scroll to read more about the support and tension between a president and the news media.

It might seem innocent enough, but words like "always," "every,""never," etc. create distorted views of reality. Explaining viewpoints without leaving room for the many exceptions that often exist can lead polarization. Scroll to learn more about what black and white thinking is and how to avoid it.

Pt 2/2 Freedom of Speech is pretty expansive, but it has its limits. Scroll to understand more about what is NOT PROTECTED as free speech.

The term Freedom of Speech gets used A LOT to justify words and actions—but what does it actually protect? Scroll to find out.

Unpacking complex stories, especially ones layered with history, culture, and conflict, requires looking with a critical eye. Use these 5 tools to increase your understanding and prevent the spread of misinformation.