News Literacy

News literacy is the ability to use critical thinking skills to judge the reliability and credibility of news reports in print, television, and Internet formats, according to the Stony Brook Center for News Literacy. 

This guide will help you identify the types of news whether you are browsing social media, watching the daily news on television, or reading current events. 

Misinformation is false, inaccurate, or misleading information that is spread without malice. It is getting the facts wrong.

Disinformation is deliberately spreading false, inaccurate, or misleading information. It is intentionally misstating the facts.

Learn more about misinformation is spread by watching the video below.

Misinformation can influence our thinking, decision making, and actions. Possible consequences include:

• Distrust in the news and other media sources
• Undermining the democratic process
• Spreading harmful conspiracy theories and hate speech
• Spreading false or discredited science