Monthly media Literacy Tip
We all are susceptible to persuasion. Persuasion can be based on reliable or faulty information.
Faulty information at the heart of persuasion can spread quickly, like a virus, reaching many individuals and posing a threat to the truth, institutions, and democracies.
To recognize faulty information—and thus resist its manipulation–a person needs to be familiar with some common types. They often are found in online posts, everyday conversations and elsewhere.
Fallacies are a type of faulty reasoning or misleading or unsound arguments. A fallacy may sound compelling, but it can lead to unsupported conclusions and misguided actions. First identified by the Greeks, fallacies exist in many forms.
“Fearmongering” is one common fallacy. It uses language or images that evoke strong emotions, including intense sympathy, fear or outrage. For example: “What you’re about to see will horrify you” and “The judge issued a disgusting ruling today.”
Emotional language and fearmongering statements both prepare you to feel strong emotions, increasing chances you will. And, when you feel strong emotions, you are more likely to act without examining the quality of the information.
Learning about fallacies, like fearmongering, can help you put the brakes on being a spreader of faulty reasoning and faulty information.
Don't Miss the Final Media & News Literacy Workshop
Artificial intelligence is everywhere—even places that might surprise you. Do you want to get smarter about AI? The workshop is on Feb. 24 from 6:30-8 pm via Zoom. Register here.
“Get to Know Artificial Intelligence” is the last of four online, interactive workshops in the Media & News Literacy series presented by the LWVWA Local News and Democracy Advocacy and Education Committee.
Register now and learn the following:
- Basic definitions
- Different types of AI, including Generative AI
- Benefits and challenges
- AI guidelines being developed by organizations
- Ways to spot AI in use
Explore the recordings and presentations from the first three workshops HERE.
The Media & News Literacy workshops are part of the state League’s “Democracy Power-Up!” series to help members respond to the constitutional crisis and defend democracy.
The LWVWA members responsible for the Media Literacy and News Education Project share a media literacy tip for publication in the monthly Project for Civic Health newsletter. The project, established to foster greater civic health and dialogue, is housed in the office of Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and involves the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, the University of Washington Evans School, and The William D. Ruckelshaus Center. The League's most recent tip is above.
