Sources of Info
Name two examples of ways people used to share information before the internet.
Newspapers, radio, books, word of mouth (any two).
How can seeing lots of ads for toys make you feel?
It might make you want to buy them, even if you don’t need them, influence you to want the latest toy, or to feel that you are missing out.
What is one way to tell if a website is probably not very credible?
If it has many spelling errors, it doesn't list a source, or if the website is trying to sell you something.
What is misinformation?
Information that is not true, or that misleads someone.
What is a main way that media can persuade people?
Sometimes by selling you something or by influencing you to believe a certain view.
What’s the difference between a primary and secondary source?
A primary source is a firsthand account (like a diary), and a secondary source is based on primary sources (like a textbook).
How can watching too much TV affect your behavior?
It might make you less active or can limit your focus on other activities.
If an article is written by someone who is an expert on that topic, what does that mean about the source that may make it more credible?
They have experience and lots of knowledge, so may be more likely to be accurate.
Why might someone intentionally share misinformation (think about why someone would want to be dishonest)?
To persuade people to believe something that is not true, sell something or cause chaos.
What is one way media tries to inform you about specific events?
By reporting the news, by writing a book, or by making a documentary.
Besides the internet, name three other ways information can be communicated.
TV, radio, books, newspapers, magazines, podcasts, face-to-face conversation (any three).
Give an example of how social media can influence a person's attitude about themselves.
Seeing unrealistic images or lifestyles of popular social media stars can cause low self esteem or negative feelings about their body image.
Besides the author of an article, what else should you check on the website in order to make sure that it is credible?
You should also check the date it was written and the sources where they got their information from, are they credible sources?
What are two things to look out for that may say that what you're reading or watching is not true?
Exaggerated claims, click bait headlines, no clear source, or really emotional language.
What is the main purpose of an entertainment source?
To make you laugh, feel sad, to relax.
If you read about a historical event in a textbook, and then you watch a movie about the same event, which is an example of each, a primary and a secondary source?
The textbook is a secondary source, and the movie is also a secondary source.
If a news story only shows the good side of something, what's one way it might influence your perception?
You might think everything is good about that thing, and not know about potential problems or downsides.
You've seen a funny video on social media about a celebrity. What would make the video a credible source of information if it is claiming to report on the celebrity's health?
If the information from the video was shared by doctors involved, the celebrity themselves, and trusted news outlets.
A website says that "all dogs are bad". How can you tell that this is an example of misinformation or bias?
This statement shows misinformation and bias. It's an extreme statement and doesn't recognize that dogs are very different from each other, using extreme language (all instead of some). It's spreading subjective information that's not true.
If you see a commercial for a new toy, is it primarily intended to inform, persuade, or entertain?
The purpose of the commercial for the new toy could be to persuade you to buy the toy, to entertain you and make you connect to the toy, and/ or inform you by giving you information about the toy.
Imagine you want to learn about the culture of a faraway country. Name a primary source and a secondary source you could use.
Primary source: personal letter from a citizen of the country, a photograph taken in the country or maybe an interview from a citizen. Secondary source: A book about the country, or documentary about the country.
Think about a news story about a school and how the way it is presented to people may influence them. Give an example of how a good story could influence people different from how a bad story may influence people.
A positive story might encourage people to support the school. A negative story might make people think the school is bad and not to go there or support it.
Imagine you’re researching a science project about volcanoes. Would you trust a blog written by a random person or a website from a university known for its volcano research? Why?
The university website would be more credible because they probably have experts and are more likely to report accurate information, along with studies to back up their information.
If you see a post that seems to confirm something you already believe, what should you do before sharing it?
You should check with other sources to see if that information is correct before sharing it with others.
Explain the difference between a news show meant to inform you about the news, and a movie or show meant to entertain.
A news show is meant to inform you of real events, while a movie or show is usually a fictional story with fictional characters.