Media basics
What is media?
The various channels or tools used to communicate information to people.
What is information literacy?
The ability to find, evaluate, use, and communicate information effectively.
What is digital media?
Media that is created, stored, and distributed in digital form.
What does it mean to think critically?
To carefully analyze information before accepting it as true.
What is misinformation?
False or inaccurate information that is shared, whether or not the person sharing it intends to deceive.
Which medium uses sound to communicate information to an audience?
Radio
What should you do before believing information found online?
Verify and evaluate the information.
Give one example of a digital media platform.
Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, websites, etc.
What is bias?
A preference or tendency that can affect how information is presented or interpreted.
What is disinformation?
False or misleading information deliberately created or spread to deceive people.
What is the main purpose of mass media?
To communicate information, ideas, or entertainment to a large audience.
Name one thing you should check when evaluating a source.
Its author, date, evidence, credibility, or source.
What is a digital footprint?
The record of information and activities a person leaves behind when using digital technologies.
Why should you compare information from different sources?
To identify inconsistencies, bias, and obtain a more complete understanding.
A student shares a false story because they genuinely believe it is true. Is this misinformation or disinformation?
Misinformation
Newspapers, television, radio, and websites are examples of what?
Media platforms.
Why is the author’s identity important when evaluating information?
It can help determine the author’s expertise, credibility, and possible bias.
Why should you think before posting something online?
Because online posts can be copied, shared, or remain accessible and may affect your privacy or reputation.
A headline says, “Scientists FINALLY Prove This Amazing Secret!” but the article provides little evidence. What should you question?
The credibility of the claim and whether reliable evidence actually supports it.
A person creates a fake news story specifically to trick people into believing something false. What is this called?
Disinformation.
Why is media considered powerful in society?
Because it can influence how people receive information, understand issues, and form opinions.
You find an article making a shocking claim, but it provides no evidence or sources. What should a media-literate person do?
Investigate the claim using credible and independent sources before accepting or sharing it.
Someone deletes a controversial post, but screenshots of it are already circulating. What concept does this demonstrate?
The permanence or lasting nature of a digital footprint.
Two sources report the same event differently. What should you examine before deciding which information is more reliable?
Their sources, evidence, authors, publication dates, credibility, and possible biases.
You receive a viral post claiming that an important event happened today. Give three steps you should take before sharing it.
Check the source, verify the information with credible sources, and check the date/context of the information.