Fact-Checking and Misinformation

"Understanding how algorithms and manipulators exploit our cognitive vulnerabilities empowers us to fight back."

Some of the ways we've been taught to evaluate information do not work for this new information age. Features digital literacy expert Michael Caulfield.

Misinformation as an adaptive behavior in group conflict, facilitating mobilization, coordination of attention, and commitment.

Aim to inform rather than persuade, offer an honest balance, disclose uncertainties, discuss evidence quality, inoculate against misinformation.

Create cognitive dissonance, but "be gentle, compassionate and patient" and don't debate on social media.

About a woman who relied mostly on social media sites, like Facebook groups, for medical advice.

"As 'Do the research' becomes a rallying cry for conspiracy theorists, classical information literacy is not enough."

In a world flooded with content, in which many of the traditional publishing gatekeepers are disappearing, students need a different kind of reading instruction.

Digital literacy expert Michael Caulfield outlines the myths and realities of how misinformation works.

The best way to evaluate a site is to leave it.

Traditional media literacy cannot cope with the weaponizing of critical thinking. "We need to develop antibodies to help people not be deceived."