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In an era where misinformation spreads at unprecedented rates through social media platforms, an upcoming presentation at The University of Scranton aims to equip attendees with practical tools to navigate this complex digital landscape.
The presentation, titled “Information Literacy for Real Life: Using Library Resources to Debunk Misinformation on Social Media,” will address the growing challenge of distinguishing fact from fiction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where viral content often circulates without verification.
Shelli Pratt-McHugh, associate professor and Library department chairperson at the university, will lead the session scheduled for Friday, April 24, at 3:15 p.m. in room 233 of the Loyola Science Center. As the Learning Commons Coordinator and Research and Instruction Librarian for Technology and Outreach, Pratt-McHugh brings substantial expertise in information literacy to the discussion.
The presentation will explore the relationship between social media consumption and confirmation bias—the tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information that confirms one’s pre-existing beliefs. This psychological phenomenon has become increasingly relevant as social media algorithms create personalized content feeds that often reinforce users’ existing viewpoints, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
“Social media platforms like TikTok have become primary information sources for many people, especially younger generations,” noted a spokesperson from the university’s communications office. “Understanding how to critically evaluate this content has become an essential skill in today’s media landscape.”
Pratt-McHugh will showcase an educational activity she developed and incorporated into information literacy sessions with students. The interactive exercise is designed to help participants develop critical thinking skills specifically tailored to evaluating content on popular social media platforms.
This presentation comes at a critical time when concerns about misinformation have reached new heights. According to recent studies, approximately 62% of adults in the United States get news from social media, with many failing to verify information before sharing it further. TikTok, in particular, has faced scrutiny for the rapid spread of unverified information due to its algorithm-driven content delivery and massive user base of over one billion active users worldwide.
The session is part of the university’s Faculty Seminar Series, now in its twenty-first year. The series serves as a platform for faculty and staff to share research findings, innovative teaching methods, and thought-provoking ideas with the campus community. It has become an important venue for cross-disciplinary conversation and intellectual exchange at the institution.
Open to all students, faculty, and staff, the event promises to foster dialogue about digital literacy in an increasingly complex information environment. Refreshments will be provided, creating an informal atmosphere conducive to discussion and networking after the presentation.
The topic reflects growing concerns among educators about the impact of social media on information literacy. Educational institutions across the country have been developing similar initiatives to help students develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an information ecosystem where content creation and distribution have been democratized, but verification standards often remain absent.
For those interested in attending or seeking additional information about the presentation, Amelia Randich, the program coordinator for the Faculty Seminar Series, can be reached via email at amelia.randich@scranton.edu.
The event represents part of a broader effort by academic institutions to address the growing challenge of misinformation and to equip communities with the tools needed to become more discerning consumers of online content in an age where digital literacy has become as fundamental as traditional literacy.
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22 Comments
Kudos to the University of Scranton for taking this important issue head-on. Empowering people to navigate the digital landscape with critical thinking is so crucial.
Agreed. Providing practical tools and resources to debunk misinformation is a vital service, especially for younger generations who are growing up immersed in social media.
This presentation sounds like a valuable resource for helping people navigate the complex world of social media misinformation. Distinguishing fact from fiction is so important these days.
Agreed, the rise of confirmation bias on social media is a real challenge. Equipping people with the right tools and strategies is key.
Excellent initiative by the University of Scranton to address this crucial issue. Equipping people with information literacy skills is vital in the digital age.
Absolutely. The spread of misinformation on social media is a major societal challenge, so I’m glad to see universities taking it seriously.
This presentation seems very timely and relevant, given the amount of misinformation that has proliferated during the pandemic. Looking forward to seeing what insights they uncover.
Agreed, the pandemic has really exacerbated the problem of online misinformation. Hopefully this session can provide some helpful strategies for navigating it.
As someone who is increasingly concerned about the proliferation of misinformation, I’m really glad to see the University of Scranton taking this on. Looking forward to learning more.
Me too. Combating online misinformation is one of the defining challenges of our time. This presentation could provide some much-needed guidance.
Misinformation on social media is such a pervasive issue these days. Glad to see universities taking steps to educate people on how to spot and counter it.
Absolutely. Equipping the public with information literacy skills is an important step in combating the spread of false narratives online.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific techniques and library resources that will be covered in this session. Addressing the psychology behind social media consumption is a smart approach.
Yes, understanding how confirmation bias impacts our information consumption habits is crucial. Looking forward to seeing what practical tips they provide.
As someone who works in the tech industry, I’m really interested in this topic. Addressing confirmation bias and information literacy on social media is such a complex challenge.
Absolutely. The intersection of technology, psychology, and media literacy is a fascinating area. I’m sure this presentation will offer some valuable insights.
This presentation could not be more timely. The prevalence of misinformation on social media is truly alarming. I hope they provide some effective strategies for combating it.
Me too. Identifying and countering online misinformation is one of the most important skills we need to develop in the 21st century.
This is an important initiative that could have far-reaching impacts. Equipping people with the skills to discern fact from fiction online is crucial for a healthy democracy.
Well said. Misinformation can be so damaging, especially when it spreads rapidly through social media. Proactive education on these issues is vital.
As someone who consumes a lot of news and information on social media, I’m very interested in learning more about these tools and techniques for verifying content. Sounds like a valuable session.
Me too. It’s so important to be able to critically evaluate what we see on social platforms these days. Looking forward to the insights they share.