FACT-CHECKING MEDIA INFORMATION LITERACY IN THE ‘POST-TRUTH ERA’

Abstract

In today's digital age, combating internet disinformation has become a significant challenge for society and fact-checkers alike. The proliferation of social media platforms and the ease with which information can be shared has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish legitimate news from fake news. Unfortunately, low levels of media literacy and cultural biases are shaping people's actions and decisions, which in turn are influencing the spread of disinformation. The post-truth ecosystem and polarizing propaganda are working together to divide communities, creating far-reaching consequences. This has been particularly evident during events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, where legitimate news was at times overshadowed by unverified content on the internet. The spread of misinformation about fake remedies and conspiracy theories has caused widespread panic, concern, and fear. To address these challenges, this study takes an in-depth look at media literacy techniques to counter fake news. It evaluates various strategies that can be used to enhance media literacy, such as critical thinking, fact-checking, and source verification. The study also examines the role of technology in combating disinformation, including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms that can help identify and remove fake news from social media platforms. Overall, the study underscores the importance of media literacy in combating internet disinformation and highlights the need for more education and awareness around this issue. By improving media literacy and encouraging critical thinking skills, we can help individuals make more informed decisions and reduce the impact of fake news on society.