FAKE NEWS AND MEDIA LITERACY

Presented by: SAID BELHADRI.

Under the supervision of a teacher:
Mme BOUCHRA BENTALEB
 Introduction
◦Fake news, often disseminated through media channels, has
become a pressing concern in the digital age. The
proliferation of social media and the ease of sharing
information have made it challenging to discern reliable
sources from misleading or false ones. Media literacy,
therefore, plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to
critically evaluate information, distinguish facts from fiction,
and make informed decisions.
 Introduction

◦The concept of fake news is not new and has been used to
manipulate public opinion throughout history. However,
the digital revolution has amplified its reach and impact.
In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, for example, fake
news stories circulated widely on social media platforms,
potentially influencing voter perceptions.
 Introduction
◦The spread of fake news poses several challenges. It can
undermine trust in traditional media, distort public discourse,
and erode democratic principles. Moreover, the algorithms that
govern social media platforms often prioritize engaging content,
regardless of its veracity, which can perpetuate the spread of
misinformation. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-
faceted approach that includes media literacy education,
technological interventions, and a commitment to promoting
accurate and reliable information.
 What is Fake News?
Fake News is false or inaccurate information that is presented as fact.
Fake News can be:
◦Stories, images or videos that have been completely made up to get
people to believe something that is not true (false information)
◦Stories that have some truth to them, but are not totally accurate,
possibly because the people writing them have not checked their
facts or because they have exaggerated certain things (inaccurate
information)
 Why is Fake news a problem?
◦ Fake news can spread quickly on the internet and social media
◦ Fake news can make people believe things that are false or inaccurate
◦ Believing fake news may make people act in a certain way. For example, it might influence the way they
vote in elections
◦ Some people may call something fake news, when actually it is not fake news, simply because they don’t
like it or don’t want it to be true
◦ Fake news can make people unsure what to believe
◦ Fake news can make people distrust the media
 How can I spot Fake news?
Ask yourself:
◦WHO published the story? Have you heard of the
organisation that published the story? Are they legitimate
and trustworthy?
◦WHAT is the story? Does it sound believable, could it
really be true? Do the dates, facts and figures make sense?
Do other sources support it?
 How can I spot Fake news?
WHERE did you see or hear the story? Was it on TV, in a
newspaper, on the radio, on a website, on social media? If
you found the story on a website, does the website look
genuine? (Look out for strange URLS such
as: .[Link]). Has the story been reported anywhere else?
Have you heard of the other organisations that have
reported it?
 How can I spot Fake news?
WHEN was it published? Is it an old story that has been
reposted? Watch out for stories published on April 1 st!
WHY was it published? Is it meant be a joke? Is it meant to
promote a political agenda or set of ideas? Is it a sensational
headline meant to lure you in?
 What Is Media Literacy?
◦Media literacy is the ability to analyze and evaluate different types
of media and the messages they are sending. In today's world,
media is a part of our everyday lives. Nonetheless, many people
lack the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to
understand and interpret the information they receive, and some
consumers are unaware of how media sources affect their opinions
and decisions. One may strengthen their ability to decipher
meaning by reviewing media literacy definitions, terminology, and
real-world examples.
 What Is Media Literacy?
◦Media literacy is the ability to analyze and evaluate
different types of media and the messages they are sending.
When deciphering a media source such as an
advertisement or a news article, identify which details are
significant and how each detail contributes to the overall
message and objective. Consider the authority, artistic
decisions, intended audience, varied interpretations, and
purpose behind the message.
 What Is Media Literacy?
◦Today, media literacy instruction focuses heavily on news
literacy, or analyzing sources that primarily exist to inform
the general public or a target audience. The news literacy
definition typically encompasses news in all formats.
However, not all news is created equal. Educated
consumers should consider the intent and purpose behind
each message in order to identify the effects of latent bias.
 What is the importance of media
literacy?
◦The media sources an average person consumes
unconsciously affects their opinions, behavior, and
relationships. Media literacy is important because it will
protect the consumer from manipulation and allow them to
be informed citizens who make conscious and educated
decisions about what they value and trust.
 Media Literacy in Our Lives
◦Just what is media? And how does it differ from mass
media? Media is the means of communication that reaches or
influences people, such as radio and television, newspapers,
and magazines. Mass media does the exact same, but with a
goal of reaching much larger numbers of people. Both play
an enormous role in our lives, despite the fact that media
consumption often goes easily unnoticed. But what to do with
all this information? That's where media literacy comes in!
 Media Literacy in Our Lives
◦Media literacy involves the ability to access, analyze,
evaluate, and create media. Media communication has
become quite a force in society today, allowing for
consumption of loads of information. And today's digital
consumers are masters of media multitasking, which involves
simultaneous contact with two or more other forms of media.
As consumers of media, it is important to have the ability to
understand, translate, and use the information we receive.
The Importance of Digital Literacy in our Lives

Think about it. On an average day, how much media do you

consume? What are the messages being sent to you? How do
they influence your thinking or even your decisions?
Media literacy is actually not a new phenomenon. Starting
with the invention of the printing press in the 1400s, media
has developed as a form of communication beyond the
interpersonal. Newspapers and magazines were a media
force in the Industrial Era.
 The Importance of Digital Literacy in our
Lives
Continual advances in technology expose us to more and more
media. The use of technology and digital literacy go hand in
hand. Technology allows for greater expansion of mass media
outlets, starting with the Internet, but we also must consider
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the list goes on and on.
There are different purposes for mass communication, including
to inform, to amuse, to persuade, and to enlighten.
 Deciphering Media
Now that we know what media literacy is and how it is ingrained into our lives, let's talk about
how we, as the consumers, can decipher all the messages being sent our way. There are five key
questions to ask of any media:
◦ Who created the message that is being sent?
◦ What techniques were used to attract my attention?
◦ How might other people understand or interpret this message differently from me?
◦ Are there any lifestyles, values or points of view that are not represented or are omitted from this
message?
◦ Why was this message sent?
By asking these 5 simple questions, you have empowered yourself with media literacy! If you have
the necessary awareness of the media, you can analyze the media, reflect on it, and then take
action if you decide.
 Conclution

In conclusion, fake news and the need for media literacy have become
intertwined issues in today's digital landscape. The history of
misinformation shows a pattern of manipulation and distortion, but the
current scale and speed of dissemination pose unique challenges. To combat
fake news effectively, individuals must develop critical thinking skills and a
healthy skepticism towards information sources. Additionally, media
platforms and society as a whole must work together to promote
transparency, accuracy, and responsible information sharing. By fostering a
culture of media literacy, we can mitigate the impact of fake news and
uphold the integrity of information in the digital age.
Thank you for your kind
attention