Educating emerging citizens: Media literacy as a tool for combating the spread of image-based misinformation

Abstract

The proliferation of deepfakes and visual misinformation coupled with the fast-paced nature of social media has prompted an increased need for media literacy skills among emerging citizens. The unit activity detailed in this article overviews a media literacy framework for engaged citizenship and presents media literacy strategies that emerging citizens can use when confronted with mis/disinformation on social media. The approaches include SIFT and a four-step process for debunking misinformation. As students participate in this media literacy unit activity, which is focused on debunking deepfakes and halting the spread of mis/disinformation, they acquire tools for discerning truth and learning how to think critically before responding to and advancing the spread of misinformation. Courses The unit activity is relevant for courses that address digital media, fake news, mass media and society, media literacy, and misinformation, including Digital Media, Fake News and Misinformation, Media Studies, Media Literacy, Political Communication, Rhetoric and Pop Culture, and Visual Communication. Objectives This activity will enable students to (1) differentiate between disinformation, misinformation, and fake news in relevant media content; (2) identify and analyze examples of deepfakes, misinformation, and disinformation; (3) summarize and apply the 5 As of Media Literacy framework to a current event; and (4) employ media literacy strategies, including SIFT and a debunking approach, to respond to and halt the spread of visual misinformation on social media.