Critical thinking equips students with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information rather than simply accepting it at face value. It is an especially valuable skill for younger demographics faced with misinformation on the internet daily. Discerning the credibility of sources and how to verify information is a central part of teaching the basics of informed decision-making.
The rising challenge of misinformation
Social media and online platforms are conduits for misinformation allowing it to reach millions in seconds without any kind of verification. A Sage Choice study provides, “The consensus view points to advancements in information technology (e.g., the Internet, social media) as a main cause of the proliferation and increasing impact of misinformation, with a variety of illustrations of the effects.”
The issue is concerning for youth who spend hours daily online but lack the skills to evaluate the credibility of digital content. Many students struggle to differentiate between facts and manipulative content making them a target market for those distributing misleading narratives and propaganda.
The increased use of AI for text ad image creation makes the issue much worse, with the lines between reality and fiction now blurred by realistic multimedia content. When younger individuals are faced with misinformation without the tools to discern fact or fiction, adults are created with ideals and principles based upon information that undermines informed decision-making.
How to teach students critical thinking skills to combat misinformation
Mental health professionals are well-equipped to provide the necessary education to students. A general approach to this includes:
- After discussions with parents or guardians and with their consent, introduce digital literacy as a life skill starting as early as elementary school. Psychologists and educators can intervene to build foundational skills that last into adulthood.
- Programs like the Civic Online Reasoning curriculum teach students how to evaluate online information through methods like lateral readings where they verify a source by cross referencing it in another browser tab.
- Include lessons on how generative AI creates content so that students can recognize manipulated images or videos that could be sent to them personally or viewed through news and media.
- Evidence shows that structured lessons improve students' ability to evaluate online information like the CRTL-F and studies in high schools demonstrated that six lessons improved source credibility assessment.
The role of HIPAA compliant email
HIPAA compliant email is a method for psychologists to address individual concerns in a way that provides each patient with a tailored approach. Educational materials can be sent to the patient and their parent or caretaker for review at their convenience.
Although not especially popular with demographics under 20, the separation from their general daily communications can offer a point of focus that improves the efficiency of educational materials. The material can then be used as a reference during sessions. It can extend to activities used to assess the patient's ability to identify misinformation.
FAQs
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a law that protects the privacy and security of health information.
What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?
Misinformation is wrong or misleading information shared by accident. The person sharing it might not know it’s false. Disinformation is false information shared on purpose to deceive or manipulate.
What are the ethical considerations for psychologists when sharing educational material?
The central idea is respect for patients. This is further emphasized by ensuring materials are free of bias, culturally sensitive, and avoid material harm.
Kirsten Peremore
