Upcoming Talk Offers Strategies for Navigating Misinformation

In an era of digital overload, where social media platforms bombard users with constant information, distinguishing fact from fiction has become increasingly difficult. To address this growing concern, the Champlain Library will host an educational talk titled “Surviving Misinformation,” aimed at equipping community members with critical media literacy skills.

Local journalist Philip Oddi, a familiar name to readers of The Review, will lead the session on Wednesday, February 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Creating Centre in Vankleek Hill. The event is free and open to the public.

Oddi, whose reporting regularly covers local politics, economic issues, and community events throughout the region, brings professional experience and research expertise to this timely discussion. His work has positioned him to observe firsthand how misinformation spreads through communities, particularly on popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

“The digital landscape has created perfect conditions for misinformation to flourish,” notes a spokesperson for the Champlain Library. “With the rise of artificial intelligence and sophisticated content creation tools, even discerning consumers can struggle to identify reliable sources.”

The presentation will focus on practical skills, including how to evaluate source credibility, employ fact-checking techniques, and recognize the patterns through which misinformation and disinformation spread. Participants will leave with concrete tools to become more critical consumers of news media in both traditional and digital formats.

This initiative comes at a crucial moment when public trust in media continues to decline. According to recent studies from the Reuters Institute, confidence in news sources has dropped significantly in North America over the past five years, with social media platforms ranked as the least trusted information sources.

The proliferation of AI-generated content has further complicated the information ecosystem. With technologies like ChatGPT and DALL-E now capable of producing convincing text and images, the line between authentic and fabricated content continues to blur, creating new challenges for information consumers.

Oddi developed the seminar after consistently observing how quickly false information could spread through local social networks. The program aims to help attendees identify misinformation across various topics, build confidence in evaluating news sources, and ultimately prevent the further sharing of inaccurate content.

For rural communities like those in the Champlain Library’s service area, access to reliable information can be particularly vital. Local news deserts—areas with limited professional journalism coverage—make residents more vulnerable to misinformation that may circulate unchecked.

The Champlain Library has previously organized similar community education initiatives, continuing its role as not just a repository of books but a center for information literacy and lifelong learning.

“In today’s complex information environment, libraries serve as trusted navigators,” explains a library representative. “We’re committed to helping our community members develop the skills they need to make informed decisions based on accurate information.”

The seminar will take place at the Creating Centre, located on High Street near the corner with Main Street in Vankleek Hill. While admission is free, attendees are encouraged to arrive early as seating may be limited.

Community members interested in attending can contact the Champlain Library for additional information or to reserve a spot. The library also maintains resources on media literacy and fact-checking that are available to patrons year-round.

As technology continues to evolve and information channels multiply, initiatives like “Surviving Misinformation” represent important community efforts to foster a more discerning, media-literate public capable of navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.