Why Your News Feed Isn’t Enough: Building Media Literacy in the Age of Algorithms

 In an era where information travels faster than facts can be verified, media literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Social media platforms, driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement over truth, often create echo chambers that reinforce biases rather than challenge them.

This post explores:

The difference between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation

How to practice the SIFT method (Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, Trace claims to the original context)

Real-world examples of viral falsehoods and how critical thinking could have stopped their spread

Practical classroom and personal strategies to become a more discerning consumer—and creator—of media