How to Research: Discerning Truth in Media

One of the most important things you can teach your kids is how to use logic and critical thinking as they evaluate and research the information they are exposed to. With the proliferation of questionable social media content, the rise of clickbait mis- and disinformation-riddled videos, and the sheer overwhelming amount and accessibility of information–true, false, and everything in between!–, it is vitally important that we learn and practice skills in analyzing and evaluating the quality of the information we absorb. Now more than ever, students should learn early how to find credible information, think critically about what they’re shown, and discern the truth in media content. Check out this Homeschool Living for some great tips for evaluating information, finding credible sources for research, and teaching your kids to be discerning in the information, social media content, and entertainment that they absorb.

Research Risks and Recommendations

One of the main ways your children will learn the dangers and complications of poor or incomplete research is a situation in which they are directly looking for information on a specific topic–whether they are working on a research report for school or trying to learn about a hobby or skill. In seconds, they’ll have access to thousands upon thousands of websites, articles, and videos all claiming to have the best and most relevant information. This is where knowledge of the different types of sources available and how to evaluate the credibility of the source becomes especially handy.

“Fake news” has become a nearly all-encompassing and much too commonly used term in the past few years, but it all boils down to misinformation and disinformation. Knowing the different types of false information you’re mostly likely to run into can be invaluable in identifying and disregarding it.

Another way of evaluating news and information comes through thinking critically about the way the information is presented. Looking for logic patterns, perspective, and balance in your news sources is an essential skill to have when determining if the information you’re being presented is relevant and reliable.

Part of the reason we’re so susceptible to fake information on the internet is the psychology of “clickbait” and how it affects our brain function. This article shares some thoughts about how brain chemistry coupled with innate curiosity plays into our tendency to click on and absorb information even when we know that the information is likely to be exaggerated, misleading, or just plain false.

While intentional research is likely to be your child’s first experience with actively evaluating the credibility of sources, chances are he was exposed to and has been subconsciously making decisions and judgements about misleading clickbait much earlier. On that topic, food scientist Ann Reardon has an entire fascinating series of videos on evaluating, critiquing, and debunking viral clickbait videos on social media. This can be a great way to introduce the concept of using logic to evaluate media content, and to practice the critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills that will be invaluable tools through the rest of your child’s life.