Social Media and Digital Literacy — Distinguishing True From False
Writer’s Blog 6
When we think of getting information from social media, it is usually framed as inherently flawed, untrue, or slanted. The idea of not believing everything you see on the internet is very often applied to information seen on social media. There is also a notion that reading something in an article is much more trustworthy than reading/seeing something on social media. However, online articles are also very susceptible to false or fabricated information. Therefore, information literacy on the internet is not about getting off of social media and getting all your information from “articles,” rather, it is about learning how to navigate any and all information you get on and offline to assure accuracy.
The “Check Please” lessons are designed to improve information literacy by teaching simple ways to fact-check information online. One of their suggestions for finding information on social media is to practice “trading up.” Trading up refers to finding information online and then taking the proper steps to find more reliable information. Instead of seeing one Instagram post and believing something, finding additional information to corroborate the claims.
Social media is an interesting place when it comes to finding information. As I discussed in a previous blog, social media can be an extremely positive force for social change and spreading awareness for important issues. The power of social media activism should not be dismissed, as it can be a very useful tool when used properly. Between hashtag activism and citizen journalism, social media acts as a way to spread first-hand truthful information in a way that is not filtered. Non-filtering can be a double-edged sword when it comes to getting accurate information online.
How can we ensure that social media is a tool for good? We practice basic critical thinking skills by being healthy skeptics when it comes to information. Before reposting a random statistic or quote to your Instagram story or reposting, sending, or commenting on a conspiracy TikTok video, you can “trade up” and find more reliable information first.
While social media can have misinformation that we should be careful to double-check, this goes for literally all information. Even if something comes from a written article, that does not necessarily mean it is truthful. It is also important to take steps to ensure that the article itself is a reliable source and that the information within that article is accurate.
Furthermore, the information we get offline such as during conversation with a family member, superior, or peer, is also extremely subject to being misinformed. It is important to understand that the interactions we have offline are shaped by our online presence, meaning it is just as important to fact-check offline information.
I am very guilty of seeing some sort of political Tiktok, sharing it with friends, reposting it, and talking about it offline without ever fact-checking it. Unfortunately, even the cutesy Instagram graphics made to be reposted to your story can and do include misleading information which finds its way and manifests in our offline worlds.
