π§ Question Everything
Media literacy is the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, and create media. In a world of information overload, misinformation, and "fake news," critical thinking about media is essential β not optional.
β Questions to Ask About Any Media
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Who made this?
Who is the author, publisher, or creator? Are they credible?
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Why was it made?
To inform? Persuade? Sell? Entertain? What's the purpose?
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Who is the audience?
Who is this meant for? Why would they want to see it?
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What's missing?
What perspectives or facts are left out?
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What evidence is provided?
Are claims supported? Can they be verified?
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How does it make me feel?
Is it trying to trigger an emotional response?
β οΈ Spotting Misinformation
Red Flags
- π© Sensational headlines that seem too shocking
- π© No author named or unclear sources
- π© Website URL looks strange (e.g., ".co" instead of ".com")
- π© No date or very old date
- π© Claims not reported elsewhere
- π© Asks you to share urgently
- π© Images that seem doctored or out of context
- π© Too good (or bad) to be true
β Good Habits
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Check sources
Verify with other sites
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Pause before sharing
Read the whole article
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Reverse image search
Check if images are real
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Use fact-checkers
Snopes, FactCheck.org
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Know your biases
We believe what we want to
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Diverse sources
Get different perspectives
π Types of Media Bias
Common Biases
- Selection bias β choosing stories that support a view
- Omission β leaving out important facts
- Headline spin β headlines that mislead
- Photo choice β images that create impressions
- Word choice β "terrorist" vs "freedom fighter"
- Confirmation bias β seeking info that confirms beliefs
βοΈ Activities
Activity: Media Analysis
Choose a news article and answer:
- Who wrote it? What's their perspective?
- What evidence is provided?
- What perspectives are missing?
- What techniques are used to persuade?
- How reliable do you think it is? Why?
My media analysis:
π©βπ« Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links
- English: Critical reading
- Media Studies: Analysis, representation
- Social Studies: Informed citizenship
- Digital Technologies: Digital citizenship