Online platforms are replete with examples of false information – from WhatsApp messages punting some miraculous cure for Covid-19 to social media posts claiming a politician said something they didn’t.
Another option is to increase the levels of media literacy among citizens. Media literacy refers to the ability to read media texts critically, understanding the relationship between media and audiences, and knowing how media production processes work. , we describe which media literacy skills are and are not taught in high schools and universities, and what is stopping schools and educators from teaching them. The research is part of a larger project to develop resources for media literacy in the country.
This means media literacy content is fragmented, diffused and limited. Pupils are taught how to use the media, how to stay safe online and how to produce media content, but much less focus falls on how to fact-check and verify the media.