Media Psychology, Literacy x Misinformation
Why Media Literacy Education and Media Psychology Research Are Essential in the Age of AI and Misinformation
First - where is C.J. Cregg when we need her? (‘West Wing’ fans know)
Second - who else is exhausted by this endless election year?
Third - If you prefer an article summation, I used Google Notebook LM to make a short podcast discussing my thoughts around the need for increased media psychology research and media literacy education, with steps to to teach it.
Misinformation is not new. Since the first representative stood on a rock, proselytizing on behalf of some Roman politician, or anywhere else in time & history, citizens have been inundated with messaging at the hands of communicators and gifted orators. As someone who has worked with media and communications throughout their career, I have studied many areas and industries, and how it affects everything from psychology to relationships to business to educations to politics. One thing that no longer surprises me just how easy messaging and talking points can be used to manipulate enormous groups of people - historically speaking, this always gets us in trouble in every generation.
Yet in today’s world in particular, where information flows at an unprecedented pace and reaches people across the globe in seconds, the ability to critically evaluate and understand media has never been more important. With advancements in artificial intelligence and an ever-expanding digital landscape, the spread of misinformation and "fake news" presents real threats to informed decision-making, public opinion, and even democracy itself. Media literacy education empowers individuals to navigate this complex information ecosystem by equipping them with the tools to analyze, question, and understand the sources and intentions behind media content. Meanwhile, media psychology research dives deeper, examining how media content impacts our thoughts, behaviors, and societal norms. Together, media literacy and media psychology provide a powerful framework to understand and mitigate the influence of misleading information.
In a world where AI-generated content blurs the lines between fact and fiction, prioritizing media literacy and understanding psychological responses to media are critical steps toward a more informed, resilient society.
First, some recent topical reads:
The Atlantic: November will be worse: Hurricane disinformation was just the start
The Atlantic: I’m running out of ways to explain how bad this is: What’s happening in America today is darker than a misinformation crisis
NYT: How Finland is teaching a generation to spot misinformation
Given I have recently expanded into media psychology myself, I have become increasing interested the development of media literacy education that is essential to both the public and professionals. While some countries like Finland have implemented school classes on recognizing fake news, America could greatly benefit from this except for the part that many organizations depend on its citizens staying in the dark, angry and confused (hello, Fox “news”). Historically, this has always been a power tactic. In an age of media messaging 24/7, your kids don’t miss a thing, so the importance of teaching media literacy and recognizing false information is crucial in today’s information landscape for several key reasons:
1. Critical Thinking Skills:
Media literacy helps students develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to question and analyze the information they encounter. In an age where misinformation and fake news are rampant, these skills are essential for discerning between credible and false sources.
2. Recognizing Bias and Manipulation:
Students learn to recognize biases, propaganda, and the agendas behind various forms of media. This is vital in helping them understand how information is framed to influence opinions or reinforce stereotypes.
3. Fact-Checking and Information Verification:
Media literacy teaches students how to verify facts, cross-check information, and identify reliable sources. These skills empower them to make informed decisions based on accurate information rather than relying on hearsay or sensational headlines.
4. Preventing the Spread of Misinformation:
When students are equipped with media literacy skills, they are less likely to fall for fake news and more cautious about sharing unverified information. This helps reduce the overall spread of misinformation in their networks and communities.
5. Digital Citizenship and Ethical Engagement:
Media literacy encourages ethical online behavior and responsible sharing. It teaches students the importance of integrity, empathy, and accountability in their digital interactions, fostering a sense of digital citizenship.
6. Understanding Media’s Role in Society:
Students learn about the role of media in shaping public opinion, setting agendas, and influencing political and social discourse. This understanding helps them critically engage with news stories and not passively accept narratives pushed by powerful media outlets.
7. Navigating Digital and Social Media Safely:
In an era of targeted advertising, deepfakes, and clickbait, media literacy education helps students recognize and avoid online traps, privacy risks, and malicious content. They learn how algorithms can shape their perceptions and how to use social media platforms responsibly.
8. Empowering Students to Create Thoughtfully:
Media literacy isn’t just about consumption; it’s also about creation. Students are taught to create content responsibly, understanding their influence and impact on others. This is crucial in an age where everyone can be a content creator.
9. Building Resilience Against Emotional Manipulation:
Misinformation often appeals to emotions, especially fear and outrage. Media literacy helps students identify emotional manipulation in media messages, making them more resilient to emotionally charged, misleading narratives.
10. Promoting Informed Citizenship and Democracy:
A media-literate population is better equipped to participate in democratic processes. Teaching media literacy promotes active citizenship, enabling students to engage in informed discussions, vote based on reliable information, and challenge misleading political messaging.
Overall, media literacy equips students with the skills to navigate the digital world thoughtfully, critically, and ethically. It’s essential for their safety, personal growth, and the health of society. Sadly, many grown children has shared stories of family rifts and the loss of parental relationships since 2016, due to the damage of false information influencing their thoughts and actions. Fox “news” in particular has cause irrevocable damage to nations psyche with intention.
It is always a good time to have a discussion with your kids, nephews/nieces, friends, family, or more to offer insight to those struggling to make sense of things. It doesn’t have to be a debate of personal opinions, but civics lessons, history, critical thinking, and media literacy can go a long way in laying strong foundations for the future. We certainly need it.
Steps For Education
Between the election mania and recent events like hurricane relief efforts clouded by misinformation, it's crucial to prepare young students in particular to recognize and respond to unreliable information. By guiding them on how to think critically about media messages and spot red flags, we can foster a generation equipped to make informed decisions and contribute responsibly to society. Here are key steps to help students build the skills they need to navigate today's media landscape with confidence and discernment:
1. Recognizing Fake News
2. Using Multiple Sources
3. Gauging Tone and Language
4. Questioning Numbers and Figures
5. Understanding Images and the Brain
6. Developing Multimedia Skills
7. Recognizing Bias
8. Shaping the Media Ourselves
9. Curating Information
10. Becoming Responsible Creators
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