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In an age of digital overload, distinguishing fact from fiction has become increasingly challenging for many Canadians. To address this growing concern, the Bowen Island Public Library will host a timely presentation on navigating the complex landscape of misinformation as part of Media Literacy Week.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Rawi, Associate Professor of News, Social Media, and Public Communication at Simon Fraser University, will deliver an interactive presentation titled “Let’s Talk About Fake News: Concepts, Types, and Impact” on Saturday, November 1, at 1 pm. The free event aims to equip community members with practical tools to identify and combat false information.
“Getting swept up in misinformation can happen to anyone, at any age, and no matter where your beliefs lie,” notes the library in its announcement, highlighting the universal nature of this challenge.
As founder and director of the Disinformation Project, Dr. Al-Rawi brings significant expertise to the topic. His research focuses on news, global communication, misinformation, and social media, with particular emphasis on Canada and the Middle East.
During the presentation, attendees will learn about ten distinct forms of misinformation and how they can be weaponized in today’s media environment. Dr. Al-Rawi will clarify the differences between misinformation, disinformation, and what he terms “disruptive information” – distinctions that have become increasingly important in today’s polarized information landscape.
The presentation will pay special attention to the Canadian context, examining how sensational and false narratives about political and social issues can lead to increased polarization and public confusion. This focus comes at a critical time when trust in traditional media sources has declined and social media algorithms often prioritize engagement over accuracy.
The role of artificial intelligence in generating misleading content will also be addressed – a particularly relevant topic as AI-generated images, videos, and text become increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
Rather than simply highlighting problems, Dr. Al-Rawi will provide practical solutions for identifying and addressing misinformation. He will demonstrate fact-checking techniques and explain why transparent communication remains essential for informed decision-making and social cohesion.
Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session, allowing for deeper exploration of specific concerns or examples of misinformation they may have encountered.
For those unable to attend or seeking additional resources, the Bowen Island Library has compiled a comprehensive subject guide on misinformation and fake news, available at bipl.ca/fake. This online resource includes video courses, articles, and fact-checking tools that can be accessed anytime.
The library has also partnered with MediaSmarts, the organization behind Media Literacy Week, to provide resources specifically designed for families and educators. Their website offers lesson plans and activities to help young people develop critical thinking skills when consuming online content.
Younger library visitors can participate in a special scavenger hunt featuring MediaSmarts’ “house-hippos” – a reference to a well-known Canadian media literacy campaign. Each hippo is paired with a kid-friendly tip for spotting misinformation online, making the learning process engaging for children.
The library’s subject guide also includes practical advice for addressing misinformation shared by friends or family members. Drawing on resources from the respected Poynter Institute, it emphasizes an empathetic approach to discussing false information using what’s described as a “truth sandwich” method.
This presentation is part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Media Literacy Week in Canada, reflecting the growing recognition of media literacy as an essential skill for citizens of all ages in the digital era.
Those interested in attending Dr. Al-Rawi’s presentation can register for free at bipl.ca/fn.
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8 Comments
It’s concerning how easily misinformation can spread and take hold these days. I’m glad to see the library taking steps to address this issue head-on through this media literacy event.
Navigating the complex world of online information can be a real challenge. I’m curious to learn about the practical strategies Dr. Al-Rawi will share for combating false narratives.
Me too. Distinguishing fact from fiction is a crucial skill in the digital age. This event sounds like a great opportunity to gain some useful insights.
As someone who consumes a lot of online news and information, I’m really interested in this topic. Identifying the different forms of misinformation will be helpful.
Agreed. With so much content out there, it’s crucial to develop the skills to critically evaluate what we’re seeing and reading. This presentation sounds like a great way to do that.
Misinformation can have serious consequences, so I’m glad to see the community taking proactive steps to address it. I hope this event is well-attended and informative.
This is a timely and important topic. Media literacy is crucial in today’s information landscape, where misinformation can spread quickly. I’m glad to see the Bowen Library addressing this issue.
Agreed. Equipping the public with the tools to identify fake news is a valuable service. Looking forward to learning more about the different types of misinformation from the expert presentation.