Media Messages
What is a “media message”
Information or an idea shared through media, such as TV, websites, videos, or social media.
What does “fake news” mean?
Answer: False or misleading information presented as if it were true.
What is a “username” or “handle”?
Answer: The name or identifier someone uses for their account online.
What is an advertisement (ad)?
Answer: A message designed to persuade people to buy, use, or support something.
What is a password?
Answer: A secret word, phrase, or combination of characters used to protect an account.
Name two places where you might see media messages.
Answer: Websites and social media.
Other acceptable answers: TV, newspapers, magazines, apps, videos.
Which is more reliable: something from an unknown website or something from a school library database? Explain in one short sentence.
Answer: A school library database, because its information is usually reviewed and comes from trusted sources.
Why should you think before you post on social media? Give one reason.
Answer: What you post can be seen, saved, or shared by other people.
Name two tricks ads use to make you want to buy something.
Answer:
Why is it a bad idea to share your password with friends? Give one reason.
Answer: Someone could use your password to get into your account without your permission.
True or False: Every media message shows the whole story. Explain your answer in one sentence.
Answer: False. Media messages may leave out information or show only one part of a story.
Name one simple step you can take to check whether a news story is true.
Answer: Check the story against another trusted source.
What is a good rule for deciding whether to accept a friend or follower request from someone you don’t know?
Answer: Do not accept requests from people you don't know in real life.
You see a toy ad that says “Only today!” What is the ad doing and why should you be careful?
Answer: It is creating a sense of urgency to make you act quickly instead of taking time to think.
What should you do if you see a pop-up asking for personal information on a website?
Answer: Do not enter the information; close the pop-up and tell a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult.
Who makes media messages? Give two examples of people or groups that create them.
Answer: Journalists and companies.
Other acceptable answers: reporters, influencers, advertisers, news organizations, government agencies, individuals.
A photo looks dramatic but has no caption or source. Describe one way to check if the photo is real or has been changed.
Answer: Use a reverse image search to see where the photo came from and whether it has been altered or used somewhere else.
If a classmate posts something mean about someone else, what are two safe actions you can take?
Answer:
How can you tell the difference between an ad and a news story on a webpage? Name two clues.
Answer: Look for labels such as “Ad” or “Sponsored,” and check whether the page is trying to sell or promote something.
Name two pieces of personal information you should never share online without checking with a parent or teacher.
Answer: Your home address and phone number.
Other acceptable answers: full name, school name, passwords, location, email address, photos.
Look at a news headline that sounds exciting but gives no details. What two questions should you ask to learn more before believing it?
Answer:
You find the same story on three websites. Two are from big news organizations and one is a blog with no author listed. How would you decide which is likely accurate? Give two reasons.
Answer: I would look for the sources and evidence behind the story and check whether the information is confirmed by multiple trusted news organizations.
Explain in one sentence how privacy settings can protect you on social media and name one setting you might change.
Answer: Privacy settings can limit who can see or contact you, such as changing your account from public to private.
An influencer posts a video saying they love a snack and uses a special coupon code. Why might the influencer say this, and what two questions should you ask about the claim?
Answer: The influencer may be paid or given something to promote the snack. Ask:
A link in an email promises a free gift if you click it. Explain two ways to check if the email is safe before clicking.