IN THE days before the Internet, social media, artificial intelligence, and polarised TV hosts, rumours spread the traditional way, passed from one person to another and neighbour to ighbor. A classic example of this phenomenon can be found in the Bengali poem Pandosram by Shamsur Rahman, where people frantically chase after an eagle, believing it has taken their ears. They forget to trust the obvious truth 鈥� that their ears are still on their heads 鈥� and instead blindly follow the crowd, unable to think critically. Another classical example is that during World War II, the British Royal Air Force developed radar technology that helped them locate enemy aircraft at night. To keep this technology a secret, British intelligence spread the rumour that their pilots鈥� exceptional night vision was due to eating large quantities of carrots. This clever bit of wartime misinformation linked carrots to improved eyesight, especially in the dark, to mislead the Germans. The rumour became so popular that it not only protected the radar secret but also encouraged people to eat more carrots during food rationing. It shows how rumours can be deliberately used to influence behaviour and protect sensitive information.
Nowadays, the spread of rumours and distortion of facts have blurred the line between truth and falsehood, threatening the core of our societies and democracies. This has led to dangerous consequences, such as the promotion of fake cures, the rise of vaccine conspiracy theories, and the spread of racism and hate speech. Amid this overwhelming flood of information, there is a pressing need for reliable reference points and critical, rational thinking. Media and information literacy, therefore, emerges as an essential skill for educating informed and responsible citizens in the 21st century. While we lack a definitive weapon to eradicate misinformation and disinformation, we hold a powerful tool in raising awareness about media and information literacy. By equipping individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information, discern credible sources, and challenge false narratives, we can prepare people to navigate the complex information landscape responsibly.
While information literacy (a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognise when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information) and media literacy (the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, and create media in various forms) enable individuals to understand how information/media content is produced, recognise biases, and interpret messages critically. Both of these (media and information literacy) foster informed decision-making, cultivate rational thinking, and build resilience against the harmful effects of misinformation.
Globally, UNESCO has been promoting media and information literacy to enable people鈥檚 ability to engage critically with information and navigate the online information safely and responsibly. UNESCO works to encounter misinformation and disinformation by initiating transparency of Internet problems, trends relative to disinformation, and countering digital disinformation while respecting freedom of expression. Through education, community engagement, and collaborative efforts, UNESCO helps to create a society that is not only aware of the challenges posed by disinformation but is also equipped to counteract it effectively. Since 2011, Global Media and Information Literacy Week has been celebrated annually, uniting stakeholders worldwide to exchange ideas and explore innovative strategies for advancing media and information literacy for everyone. Like UNESCO, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the global voice of library and information science professionals has come up with the important infographic 鈥楬ow to spot fake news? To spot fake news, start by checking if the source is reputable and the author is qualified.
Look for reliable evidence like quotes or references and ensure the information is up-to-date. Be aware of bias, as fake news often plays on emotions. Use fact-checking sites to verify claims, and check for fake URLs mimicking real ones. When unsure, ask experts like librarians or trusted authorities. These steps help ensure sharing accurate and trustworthy information.
Similarly, the global tech and social media industries are working in line to fight against misinformation and disinformation. Facebook, Twitter, and Google have implemented various strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation on their platforms. They use advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to detect and flag false or misleading content. Fact-checking partnerships with independent organisations help verify claims, with labels or warnings added to flagged posts. These platforms also prioritise credible sources in search results and news feeds, reducing the visibility of unreliable information. User reporting tools enable the community to highlight suspicious content, while misinformation related to critical issues like elections or public health often triggers direct interventions, such as removing harmful content or promoting accurate information. Education campaigns and transparency efforts further support public awareness in identifying and avoiding disinformation.
While national and international organisations, along with the tech and social media industries, are actively working to combat misinformation and disinformation through initiatives like fact-checking sites, these efforts alone are not enough if people remain unaware. Individuals must become critical thinkers, evaluating media and information through the lens of media and information literacy.
Media and information literacy is important because it empowers individuals to critically evaluate and navigate the vast amount of information they encounter daily. In an era of digital media, misinformation and disinformation are prevalent, and media and information literacy helps people discern credible sources from unreliable ones. It fosters the ability to understand, analyse, and create media in various forms, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and engage responsibly in society. Media and information literacy also promotes critical thinking, reducing the risk of manipulation by biased or misleading content. Ultimately, it is essential for active participation in democracy, enhancing communication, and building a more informed and responsible public. To build an information-resilient society, media and information literacy is essential. To achieve this, media and information literacy should be integrated into the curricula at school, college, and university levels, equipping learners with the skills to navigate and assess information critically in today鈥檚 digital world.
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Md Anwarul Islam is a professor of information science and library management, University of Dhaka, and adviser, South Asia Chapter, Association for Information Science and Technology.
