The proliferation of misinformation means that navigating news online is no easy task, especially on social media. Fake reports masquerading as the real deal can cause confusion, sow division, and damage democracy.
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California wants to do something about it. From next year, a new law means that public school students will be given media literacy courses so they’re better able to spot fake news posted online, the LA Times reported.
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The media literacy content will be included in English language arts, mathematics, science, history, and social science curriculums.
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“Teaching media literacy is a key strategy to support our children, their families, and our society,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), adding: “We have a responsibility to teach the next generation to be more critical consumers of online content and more guarded against misinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories” ...