Debunking Conspiracy Theories (News Literacy)

Johnson, Anna Maria

ISBN 10: 1502640481 ISBN 13: 9781502640482

Publisher: Cavendish Square, 2018

Thanks to websites and social media platforms, conspiracy theories are able to reach a wider audience today than ever before. Such theories both fascinate and alarm critical thinkers because they challenge media consumers of all ages to hone their media literacy skills. This volume introduces the basic critical thinking concepts needed in order to evaluate the credibility of conspiracy theories, such as those surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks and allegations of "crisis actors" after mass shootings, as well as the skills needed to debunk such theories. Case studies and examples walk the reader step-by-step through the methods readers can use to process and evaluate information related to conspiracy theories, helping to separate fact from fiction.

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From School Library Journal:

Gr 6-8-What once took hours of fact-checking, writing, editing, and publishing by a team of professional journalists can now be done online by anyone with an Internet connection. The popularity of online media outlets and the ease of sharing have made the spread of poor information a rampant problem that everyone has a responsibility to stop. The authors instruct readers on the characteristics of each topic, providing specific ways to recognize and avoid falling prey to false content. The nuances between disinformation, misinformation, and fake news are explained. The many types of bias and how they shape public opinion are explored often. The role of influencers, the use of bots, and the effects of algorithms on our search results are also given coverage. Becoming more critical consumers is imperative in today's world; this series competently fits that bill. VERDICT A useful and timely guide to navigating misleading online content, and a strong addition to any news and information literacy curriculum.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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