Lateral Reading
What is lateral reading?
A method of evaluating a source by looking for corroborating information from other sources.
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency to seek out or believe information that confirms one’s existing beliefs.
What is a digital footprint?
The information that is posted about a person online, intentionally or unintentionally.
What is online tracking?
When websites or apps collect data on your online behavior, such as the links you click on.
What is disinformation?
False information spread intentionally to deceive others.
Why is lateral reading more effective than vertical reading?
It helps verify the credibility of the information rather than just relying on the appearance of the original source.
How can confirmation bias affect the news you believe?
It can lead you to ignore or dismiss news that contradicts your beliefs while accepting only those that align with them.
Why is managing your digital footprint important?
Because it can affect future opportunities like college admissions or job applications.
Why might someone refuse to give an app permission to access their location?
Because it’s unclear why the app needs that information, and it could pose a privacy risk.
Why should Kyle verify a YouTube video claiming that the legal voting age is being changed?
To avoid sharing or believing disinformation, which could mislead others.
Give an example of when lateral reading might prevent you from believing misinformation.
Checking multiple sources before believing a sensational news article shared on social media.
Why is it important to challenge your confirmation bias?
To get a balanced understanding of different perspectives and avoid being misled by incomplete or biased information.
How can a positive digital footprint help you in the future?
It can create a good impression on employers or admissions officers, showing responsibility and professionalism.
What advice should you give before buying a smart device like a smart speaker or TV?
Understand the type of personal information the device collects and the associated privacy risks.
What is the purpose of clickbait?
To attract attention and clicks, often for advertising revenue, even if the content is misleading.
Why is it important to find corroboration for a source’s claims?
Because a website may look official but not necessarily be reliable; corroboration helps verify the facts.
What should Amber do if she notices her social media feed only shows articles she agrees with?
Research other sources and look for different views to challenge her confirmation bias.
Give an example of a situation where someone’s digital footprint could negatively impact them.
Posting inappropriate or offensive content online, which could be seen by future employers.
How do websites make money from online advertisements?
They charge advertisers based on how many people see or click on the ads.
Give an example of the harm that disinformation can cause.
It can lead to uninformed decisions in important areas like politics or health and cause divisiveness.
How can lateral reading help someone avoid falling for a biased news article that aligns with their personal beliefs?
By checking multiple sources and perspectives outside of their personal bubble, lateral reading encourages looking at the same topic from different angles, which helps identify bias and potential misinformation.
What strategies can someone use to actively reduce their confirmation bias when researching a controversial topic online?
They can intentionally seek out credible sources that present opposing viewpoints, evaluate the evidence presented, and engage with a diverse range of news outlets to get a well-rounded understanding of the issue.
Why might something you post today impact your job prospects years from now, even if it seems irrelevant at the time?
Because digital footprints are permanent and can be accessed by employers or institutions years later, revealing personal attitudes or behaviors that may conflict with professional expectations or company values.
How do filter bubbles affect your privacy and your ability to access diverse information online?
Filter bubbles limit the content you're exposed to by using your online behavior to curate what you see, potentially trapping you in an echo chamber and reducing your awareness of privacy risks related to personalized content.
Why is disinformation particularly dangerous in times of crisis, such as during an election or a public health emergency?
Disinformation in these situations can cause widespread panic, influence critical decisions like voting or health precautions, and erode public trust in institutions, potentially leading to harmful outcomes at both personal and societal levels.