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Groundbreaking Documentary Explores Information Crisis in Digital Age
A timely documentary titled “TRUST ME” is offering crucial insights into the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation in today’s digital landscape. The feature-length film, produced by the Getting Better Foundation, examines how false information spreads and impacts society at a time when traditional gatekeepers of information have been replaced by an open publishing environment.
The documentary tackles pressing questions about trust in the modern information ecosystem where virtually anyone can publish content without verification. By exploring the intersection of human psychology, technology, and media consumption habits, “TRUST ME” provides viewers with a comprehensive look at why misinformation spreads and how it affects public discourse.
“The consequences of misinformation are no longer theoretical—they’re playing out in real time across communities and nations,” said a spokesperson for the News Literacy Project, which developed an educational guide to accompany the film. “This documentary helps viewers understand not just what misinformation is, but why humans are susceptible to it.”
The Getting Better Foundation, which produced the film, focuses its mission on “building trust using the truth.” The foundation aims to combat the erosion of shared facts that has contributed to increasing polarization and distrust in institutions. Their work comes at a critical moment when studies show declining trust in media organizations and growing concerns about the ability to distinguish credible information from falsehoods.
Educational institutions now have access to a specialized version of the documentary, divided into 15 segments for classroom use. This format allows educators flexibility to either show the complete film or select specific segments that align with their curriculum and time constraints.
To maximize the documentary’s impact in educational settings, the News Literacy Project partnered with educator Pamela Brunskill to develop a comprehensive teaching guide. The guide, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, offers grade-appropriate lessons for students ranging from upper elementary (grades 4-6) through high school and beyond (grades 10-12+).
The Knight Foundation’s support extends beyond the guide to include distribution of the educational version of the film, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to improving information literacy across age groups. This initiative aligns with the foundation’s broader work supporting journalism and media innovation.
The teaching resources employ a structured approach, dividing lessons into three phases: preparation before viewing, guided activities during viewing, and reflection exercises after viewing. This scaffolded approach helps students progressively develop critical thinking skills essential for navigating today’s complex media environment.
“We designed the guide to be adaptable,” explained a curriculum developer involved with the project. “Teachers can customize these materials based on their students’ needs, classroom dynamics, and specific learning objectives.”
The documentary and its educational components arrive at a crucial moment when social media platforms face mounting pressure to address misinformation while educators and parents seek effective ways to teach digital literacy. Recent research indicates that students who receive explicit instruction in news literacy show improved ability to evaluate information credibility.
For those interested in accessing the film for educational purposes, “TRUST ME” is available for purchase through New Day Films, a distribution cooperative specializing in social issue documentaries. Additional information about the film and its production can be found on the documentary’s website, TRUSTMEdocumentary.com, or through the Getting Better Foundation’s site, GettingBetterFoundation.org.
Media literacy advocates have praised the documentary for addressing a critical gap in education at a time when distinguishing reliable information from manipulation has become an essential skill for informed citizenship.
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11 Comments
This documentary on misinformation and disinformation sounds like an important and timely piece. Understanding the psychological and technological factors that drive the spread of false information is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
The rise of open publishing environments has certainly contributed to the proliferation of misinformation. This documentary seems to offer a thoughtful exploration of this complex problem and its impacts.
Curious to learn more about the specific psychological and technological factors that make people susceptible to believing and sharing false information. This could provide valuable insights.
Misinformation can have serious consequences for public discourse and decision-making. I’m glad to see this issue being addressed through a documentary that aims to enhance media literacy and critical thinking skills.
Glad to see an educational guide being developed to accompany this film. Equipping students and the public with media literacy skills is essential to combat the real-world consequences of misinformation.
Agreed, a comprehensive approach to this issue is needed. Providing both the documentary and educational resources is a smart way to reach different audiences.
This documentary on misinformation seems like an important resource for educators and the general public. Developing a better understanding of this issue is the first step in combating its harmful effects.
Agreed. Equipping people with the tools to identify and resist misinformation is a critical part of maintaining a healthy, informed public discourse.
The growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation are a concerning trend that this documentary appears to tackle head-on. I’m interested to see how it explores the intersection of human psychology, technology, and media consumption.
As someone with an interest in the intersection of technology, media, and society, I look forward to watching this documentary. Understanding the drivers behind the spread of misinformation is crucial in the digital age.
As someone who values truth and factual information, I’m glad to see a documentary that delves into the mechanics of how misinformation spreads and impacts society. This is an important issue that deserves more attention.