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Older youth and their exposure to fake news and biased information on the internet during Covid-19.
Grace Arnold
Introduction
Generations, when applicable, are defined by the catastrophic event(s) that happen in their lifetime. This is shown in “The Greatest Generation” who grew up during World War 2, Millennials who experienced the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and now Generation Z, both growing up and coming into adulthood during the COVID-19 pandemic. The accessibility of fake news, along with readily available Internet access, shows the importance of teaching media literacy, having depolarized discussions with older youth, and curating information for them to understand the pandemic.
Connection to STS Theory
The Importance of Teaching Media Literacy
Learning media literacy is necessary for adolescents and young adults living in the 21st century so they can recognize and process potential fake news and negative messages they encounter daily. Media literacy provides a foundation to interact with messages across various forms of media and builds comprehension of the effect of technology in the
world (Media Literacy: A Definition and More). According to the theory of social constructivism, new knowledge is built upon previous knowledge through social interaction and leadership. If older youth are building their new knowledge off biased, old knowledge and fake news, they are being set up for failure and misconception. Media literacy, as a skill, among role models and older youth is tremendously important to counter the effect of fake news and biased media.
Voices of Clemson Undergraduate STudents
“The politicization of coronavirus is unnecessary… but by taking measures to recognize biased information and depoliticize discussions of Covid-19… [we] are building a path to safe, informed, living in today’s age.”
Having Depolarized Discussions
A mentor must be able to recognize bias and how that may affect surrounding ears. Biased media played a significant role in causing the American public to overcompensate or to downplay the danger of Coronavirus. For example, Fox News during Covid-19, known to be biased towards the Republican party, reported in favor of conspiracies and speculations, therefore discouraging their viewership to take preventative steps to protect their community. This is a harmful environment for a young adult, who may think of a pandemic as a political opportunity because of the politicization of Covid-19, and therefore be more susceptible to rumors and fake news.
Curating Resources for Older Youth
Youth leadership and development resources are necessary for young adults and teens living through Covid-19 to build their knowledge and understanding of the current world so that the mental, physical, and emotional toll can be reduced. Though different age groups process Covid-19 differently, they feel the same emotions as adults- whether it be fear, anxiety, skepticism, and/or confusion. By responding and teaching in a helpful way, the men