This is particularly important to recognize in our current era, where information exchanges occur at breakneck speed. In this new digital age, media literacy is the key to being a truly informed individual. Bill Lubinger is associate vice president for media relations at Case Western Reserve University. We caught up with him recently to hear his ideas on how to successfully steer through this difficult terrain. In a wide-ranging conversation, Lubinger touched on key themes of critical thinking and news consumption. He shared some big red flags you can look out for to identify misinformation.
Lubinger’s presentation was all about how to recognize bad info and what some of those sources do in order to skew public perception. To that end, he made clear that “the universe of content online is exploding.” Today, it’s important for everyone—especially young people—to learn new skills that allow them to identify reliable facts amid the sea of misinformation.
Recognizing Red Flags in Media
One of the most interesting themes that Lubinger unlocked during his interview was the necessity of being vigilant. He implored listeners to be cautious of flashy headlines that don’t come with adequate supporting evidence. Red flags are phrases like “unprecedented,” “first ever,” “greatest” and “never before” which are often not backed up with facts. When people see this type of language, they need to dig deeper instead of taking these claims as gospel.
Further, as Lubinger pointed out, the red flags are raised by overreaching claims. He urged readers to always ask who benefits from these kinds of claims and find supporting references. By cultivating an expectation to see extraordinary attestation substantiated, all of us can do a better job of defending ourselves against misinformation.
In particular, Lubinger stressed the importance of looking at where information is coming from. At that same event, Peters recommended that people ask themselves about the credibility of the sources of the news they’re consuming. While reputable media organizations invest in research and generally follow strict journalistic practices, low-quality outlets have a vested interest in prioritizing clicks and controversy over truth.
Techniques to Spot Misinformation
During his interview, Lubinger shared some helpful strategies for identifying misinformation. He argued for triangulating information between different sources to verify what was true. This approach helps deepen understanding as well as revealing gaps where there should be a comparison that signals possible false reporting.
Additionally, Lubinger recommended using fact-checking websites, which have become indispensable resources in the digital age. These invaluable resources cut through the fog of conflict on controversial details and fact check claims found in news coverage and Twitter threads. With the use of these tools, anyone can increase their skills to tell truth from fiction.
One other practice Lubinger suggested that we all could benefit from is interacting with different viewpoints. Going beyond their echo chambers and exposing themselves to a variety of perspectives, people can develop a fuller picture of the complexities behind important issues. This practice will foster critical thinking and is a useful way to counteract bias in how we consume information.
The Importance of Media Literacy
Lubinger explained that media literacy is much more than an academic ideal. It’s an essential skill for meaningful and productive engagement with a complex, interconnected world. By sharpening their skills at cutting through disinformation and evaluating news sources, Americans will be better equipped to make informed decisions and meaningfully engage with public discourse.
In an age where misinformation is everywhere, knowing how to find your way through the information landscape is more important than ever. Lubinger’s lessons are an important reminder of the power — and responsibility — we all have when engaging with news in the digital age. By focusing on critical thinking, analysis, and fact checking, we can prepare people to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world.