Panel Experts Discuss Media Literacy Strategies in Era of Misinformation

Fort Hays State University’s Forsyth Library partnered with Hays Public Library to host a panel discussion focused on equipping the community with tools to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape. The event, part of the ongoing “How To Series,” brought together experts to address the growing challenge of misinformation and manipulation in today’s media ecosystem.

The panel featured specialists in media literacy, digital communication, and information science who offered practical guidance on identifying credible news sources and recognizing manipulation tactics frequently employed across social and traditional media platforms.

“The proliferation of misinformation represents one of the most significant challenges facing our democracy today,” noted Dr. Sarah Reynolds, a media studies professor who moderated the discussion. “The ability to discern fact from fiction has never been more crucial for an informed citizenry.”

Panelists addressed several key strategies for responsible media consumption, including techniques for verifying information through multiple sources, understanding the business models that drive content creation, and recognizing common psychological manipulation tactics used to spread false narratives.

The discussion highlighted how technological changes have fundamentally altered information distribution, with algorithms and social media platforms often amplifying divisive or misleading content that generates engagement rather than providing balanced reporting.

“What makes today’s misinformation particularly dangerous is how it’s often designed to exploit our existing beliefs and biases,” explained digital literacy expert Mark Thompson. “The most effective fake news doesn’t try to completely change your mind—it simply pushes you further in the direction you were already leaning.”

Library representatives emphasized the importance of these discussions in their broader mission to promote critical thinking skills within the community. The partnership between the university and public library systems reflects a growing recognition that media literacy represents an essential civic skill.

The event drew a diverse audience including students, faculty, and community members, with attendance numbers suggesting growing public interest in developing these critical evaluation skills. An interactive segment allowed participants to analyze examples of misleading content and practice applying verification techniques in real-time.

“Libraries have always been institutions that help people navigate information landscapes,” said Claire Johnson, director of community outreach at Hays Public Library. “As those landscapes become more complex and potentially treacherous, our role becomes even more vital.”

The panel is part of a broader educational initiative that includes workshops, resource guides, and ongoing community discussions about media literacy. Organizers announced plans to expand the series with additional sessions focusing on specific aspects of misinformation, including deepfake technology and political messaging strategies.

Attendees received resource guides with practical tools for fact-checking and evaluating sources, along with recommendations for trusted news organizations and verification platforms.

“This isn’t about telling people what to think or which sources to trust,” Reynolds emphasized. “It’s about providing the analytical framework and critical thinking skills that allow people to make those determinations for themselves in an increasingly confusing information environment.”

As election season approaches, organizers noted the timely nature of these discussions and their importance in fostering an informed electorate capable of participating meaningfully in democratic processes.

The event concluded with an announcement of upcoming library programs related to information literacy and civic engagement, reflecting both institutions’ commitment to serving as community anchors for reliable information in challenging times.