According to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, there is a general lack of faith in societal institutions. Edelman recommends becoming an advocate for the truth: “Be a source of reliable information, promote civil discourse, and hold false information sources accountable.” How does one do this? RumorGuard identifies five factors for evaluating credibility of social media posts:

• • Is it authentic?
  • Was it posted and confirmed by a credible source?
  • Is evidence presented that proves the claim?
  • Is the context clear?
  • Is it based on solid reasoning, free of biases?

News literacy is an essential life skill

NOVA students often turn to the news media as they collect facts and information to support essay theses and write their term papers. Making sure that students know how to access authoritative sources is reinforced in library instruction and information literacy sessions conducted by NOVA librarians.

This year’s National News Literacy Week celebrations begin on January 23. There are a series of web-based events scheduled, including:

January 23, 5-6PM – Critical reading to identify credible evidence: Conversation with Dr. Jeff Wilhelm, Boise University, about his forthcoming book, Fighting Fake News: Teaching Students to Identify and Interrogate Information Pollution. REGISTER

January 23, 6-7PM – We regret the error: Public trust and media accountability. REGISTER

January 26, 1-2PM – Celebrate National News Literacy Week with Teens for Press Freedom. REGISTER

January 26, 2-3PM – Your brain and misinformation: Why people believe lies and conspiracy theories. REGISTER

If you need to time shift, the National News Literacy Week 2023 YouTube channel will carry updates.