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Misinformation can also happen. This is when the media shares wrong information. During the Coronavirus pandemic, for example, some news stories wrongly said that the virus was created by the Chinese government. This wasn’t true, and many Asians, especially in the United States, were hurt in real life.
There is a certain type of misinformation called disinformation. This is when the media shares wrong information deliberately. For example, the media was a powerful tool that some past South African leaders and American leaders used to spread the idea that Black South Africans and African Americans were naturally stupid. This is called scientific racism today. We now know that is not true as all humans are biologically similar. Misinformation was used to maintain their power and hurt people that they didn't like.
The media staff usually believed these wrong ideas themselves. Even if they didn’t, there were rewards for spreading such lies such as money, power, fame, etc. If you want to work in the media when you are older, it is important to be honest and have integrity, which is doing the right thing even when it is hard.
As a young person, you have to know whether any information you hear is true or false. How do you know if this is correct or not, so your values aren’t affected?
Check the source. Where is it coming from?
If it is from social media, check if other sources say the same thing.
Make sure that your emotions are not making you believe the wrong thing. Calm down and think about the facts.
Ask a parent, teacher, or trusted adult if you are not sure about something. If someone asks you and you are not a hundred percent sure, tell them, “I am not sure, but here is what I think and why.”
You might be active on social media. Remember that virtual is real and act responsibly on social media as you will in real life.
Expanding Perspectives
Arizona State University - 7 ways to protect yourself against misinformation | ASU News
Ideas.ted.com - 7 ways to avoid becoming a misinformation superspreader | (ted.com)
CBC Kids - Fact vs. Fake: A Quick Lesson in Media Literacy | CBC Kids
Smile and Learn - What is fake news? Tips For Spotting Them - Fake News for Kids
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