Appraising online information through Critical Thinking

Sources: Original Content

Yes, the above comic might just become reality soon. Singapore Minister K Shanmugam announced this year that laws to regulate and tackle fake news will be introduced in 2018. In a poll of 1600 Singapore Residents, it is reported that 75% of respondents come across fake news occasionally with only half of the respondents confident of recognizing fake news. This shows the increased prevalence of fake news which further highlights the need for media literacy.

How do I appraise my information?

Building skills for appraising online information starts from understanding the concept of media literacy.

Source: Simone Wagner, YouTube

The above video illustrates what media literacy is all about.

Media literacy is not an effort to restrict media use, but to encourage mindful and critical media consumption. (Thoman and Jolls, 2005)

I have put together a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help users develop their Media Literacy skills.

Source: Original content 

Be mindful of filter bubbles

Many websites uses complex algorithms to create content personalisation for your  feed, providing you with a high-quality online experience.

Great, what amazing convenience! Source: Author’s YouTube Channel

Filter bubbles is when the user’s perspective is tunneled by content personalisation leading to an isolation from differing viewpoints.

Remember that I previously used the word — Mindful. Be mindful of filter bubbles but do not avoid them. Enjoy the convenience but practice diversity in the digital content you consume. There is no empirical evidence that warrants strong worries for filter bubbles. (Zuiderveen Borgesius, 2016)

Confused? Let this inforgraphic show you the way you can maximize the benefits from content personalisation without the risks involved.

Source: Original Content

What have we covered?

We looked at media literacy and understood the concept behind it. We also looked at ways to develop strong media literacy skills to help us consume digital content more effectively. Filter bubbles are heavily criticized by many but the best of users— those with strong media literacy skills— can manage their filters to reap long-term benefits.

Avoid playing to the Narrow Worldview

Empower yourself to form your Own Opinion 

Shape your own destiny

(319 words)

Ying Zhen

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References:

Channel News Asia. (2017, Jun 19). New laws on fake news to be introduced next year: Shanmugam. Retrieved from Channel News Asia: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-laws-on-fake-news-to-be-introduced-next-year-shanmugam-8958048

Farnamstreet Blog. (n.d.). How Filter Bubbles Distort Reality: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from Farnamstreet Blog: https://www.farnamstreetblog.com/2017/07/filter-bubbles/

Kevin J. Delaney. (2017, Feb 21). Filter bubbles are a serious problem with news, says Bill Gates. Retrieved from QUARTZ: https://qz.com/913114/bill-gates-says-filter-bubbles-are-a-serious-problem-with-news/

Thoman, E., & Jolls, T. (2005). Media literacy education: Lessons from the center for media literacy. In G. Schwartz & P. U. Brown (Eds.), Media literacy: Transforming curriculum and teaching (Vol. 104, 2005, pp. 180 -205). Malden, MA: National Society for the Study of Education

University of Southampton 2017. (2017, Nov 16). Media Literacy. Retrieved from FutureLearn: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/steps/263021

Wagner, S. (2016, Jun 29). Media Literacy Explained. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD9jhj6tM50

Zuiderveen Borgesius, F. &. (2016). Should we worry about filter bubbles? Should we worry about filter bubbles?, Volume 5, Issue 1.