Spotting Fake News: Strategies for Critical Thinking

The course “Spotting Fake News: Strategies for Critical Thinking” is designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex landscape of modern media. In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media and other channels, this course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the various forms of fake news, from misinformation to disinformation and everything in between. Through engaging lectures and interactive discussions, participants will explore the psychological mechanisms, such as cognitive biases and emotional influences, that affect news consumption and sharing behaviors. The course emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, teaching students to evaluate sources effectively, recognize logical fallacies, and employ fact-checking techniques. Additionally, participants will learn how to analyze multimedia content and discern manipulated visuals, equipping them to tackle the challenges posed by deepfakes and misleading images. By fostering a culture of inquiry and responsible information sharing, this course aims to create informed citizens who can contribute to a more truthful and engaged public discourse, ultimately enhancing the ability to combat the pervasive issue of fake news in today’s digital society.