critical thinking | Library Blog - Indiana University East

critical thinking

News Media Know-how

critical thinking, fake news, good information, KT Lowe, media literacy August 8, 2022 Research mdilwort

Different sources of information are good for different purposes. Despite its glaring security issues, TikTok is increasingly being used as a way to search for more socially important information, such as where to find a restaurant or comparing two similar items. But social media has no filters to determine the accuracy of its content. For assessing information from non-academic sources, a good grounding in media literacy is essential. The SIFT Method One of the more accepted tools in basic media literacy is the SIFT Method. Developed by Michael Caulfield of the University of Washington, the SIFT Method consists of four sections: Stop Investigate the source Find trusted coverage Trace claims to their original source The first step, Stop, is the … Continued

The Fight Against Fake News Begins with Me

critical thinking, fake news, good information, KT Lowe March 31, 2020 outreach mdilwort

A first person account of the battle for accuracy from a rather unattractive couch I have tried very hard to be a Nerd of Trust. To me, accurate and timely information is a critical need for daily life function, and since 2016 I have worked tirelessly to promote good information literacy while combating fake news. As someone who has built a reputation of trustworthiness among colleagues, family and friends through fact-checks, online posts about false information and a relentless attack on fake news stories, I’ve earned my Nerd of Trust credentials. The COVID-19 pandemic was an ideal situation for fake news purveyors. Through the rise of social media, many Americans have fallen prey to medically-oriented misinfodemics – floods of false … Continued

Reading – for engagement, inspiration, discovery, and more!

critical thinking, fake news, information literacy, literacy, new students, read, student success August 19, 2019 Matt Dilworth, outreach mdilwort

Many departments on campus are partnering with the library to make READ posters. These posters, conceived in 1985 by the American Library Association, promote the value and excitement of reading and other forms of literacy. Celebrity authors and media personalities are featured. At IU East, we’re featuring our own stars – staff and faculty who posed with their favorite books, sharing a variety of interests! The Campus Library staff have diverse interests and expertise, and are eager to assist you. Information literacy is the ability to evaluate and apply information to your needs. Critical thinking skills enable you to analyze and problem-solve any situation. Media literacy helps you understand when you’re being manipulated, and also helps you identify when … Continued

The Truth about Conspiracy Theories

conspiracy theories, critical thinking, fake news, good information, KT Lowe September 10, 2018 Research mdilwort

You’ve probably heard that the illuminati has been trying to overthrow the US government since its beginning, right? And of course you know the earth is flat, not round like all those “scientists” claim. The moon landing was obviously faked, because how could people ever really do that? You’ve heard all of these theories, but hopefully you don’t believe a single one of them. These are a particular branch of misinformation known as conspiracy theories. (source: knownyourmeme.com, unknown creator.) Conspiracy theories are not new, and most definitely not true. For as long as there’s been publishing, there’s been evidence of conspiracy theories, some of which still exist today. While some conspiracy theories stem from a longing for information and a … Continued

Fake news fatigue? Never fear!

critical thinking, KT Lowe, news sources July 9, 2018 Library Resources, Website mdilwort

Since fake news came to wider prominence in 2016, many of us are increasingly skeptical of news accuracy and news quality. While it makes sense to scrutinize various news sources, most Americans find mainstream media biased. Only about 32% of Americans trust mainstream news, and this figure dropped eight percentage points from the previous year’s study (2015-2016.) Unfortunately, some of that mistrust is earned. Still, even in the era of faster news cycles, instantaneous information and “alternative” press, there are a few solutions. One is to become an advocate for truth, or as oceanographer and director of LUMCON Craig McClain puts it, a “Nerd of Trust.” According to McClain, while up to 82% of scientists use Facebook regularly, very few … Continued