Young Black Journalist Takes on Internet Misinformation

In an era where online misinformation spreads rapidly, 16-year-old Chloe Kizito has taken on the vital role of digital truth-seeker. The Kitchener-Waterloo teen has spent the past two years working as a fact-checker with MediaSmarts, combating false information that proliferates across social media platforms.

“When I realized that this was an issue, I started to think more deeply about it,” Kizito explained. “I asked my teachers at school how I could get involved, and that’s where I got the opportunity to work with MediaSmarts and their teen fact-checking program.”

Though based in Ontario, Kizito collaborates with the MediaSmarts office in Ottawa. Her role involves scanning social platforms for videos making factual claims, selecting ones that spark her interest, and then conducting thorough research to determine their accuracy. She then creates response videos detailing her findings, which are shared with thousands of followers on the MediaSmarts TikTok account.

The young fact-checker has developed a particular interest in debunking medical misinformation. This focus is especially meaningful given research showing that minority communities are often disproportionately targeted by health-related falsehoods. False medical claims can spread quickly online and potentially influence health decisions in vulnerable populations.

Kizito views her role as particularly significant as a young Black Canadian in the digital space. “It really instils that idea of changing the narrative,” she said. “As a minority, I’m coming forward and presenting the fact that this is an issue.”

Her work comes at a critical time when misinformation has become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive across social platforms. Studies indicate that younger users are highly susceptible to misleading content, making peer-to-peer fact-checking initiatives like MediaSmarts’ program especially valuable. By having teens like Kizito address these issues directly, the organization aims to reach youth audiences more effectively.

The MediaSmarts teen fact-checking initiative represents a growing trend of media literacy programs specifically designed to empower young people. Rather than merely teaching students to be cautious consumers of information, these programs encourage active participation in creating a more accurate information ecosystem.

Digital literacy experts emphasize the importance of such youth-led initiatives. When young people see peers modeling critical thinking and research skills, they’re more likely to adopt similar habits themselves. Kizito’s videos not only correct specific pieces of misinformation but also demonstrate the process of verification and fact-checking.

For Kizito, the work extends beyond simply correcting facts. It’s about representation and showing that young people from diverse backgrounds can play a meaningful role in improving the quality of online information. Her presence as a young Black woman in this space helps diversify the fact-checking landscape, which has historically lacked representation from minority communities.

The teen’s efforts are part of MediaSmarts’ broader mission to promote digital and media literacy among Canadian youth. The organization has been at the forefront of developing resources and programs that help young people navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

As social media platforms continue to grapple with how to address misinformation, grassroots efforts like Kizito’s represent a complementary approach that focuses on empowering users rather than simply moderating content. By building critical thinking skills among young audiences, such initiatives aim to create long-term resilience against misinformation.

Kizito’s work highlights how the fight against false information isn’t just for professional journalists or tech companies—it’s a space where motivated young people can make meaningful contributions to public discourse and information integrity.