The guided workshop called, “Making Sense of the News and Finding Trustworthy Sources” focuses on evaluating media, identifying bias and encouraging civil discourse.
“Transparency is something that we should be looking for.”
Library Assistant Ashley Bovin has organized several events covering media literacy for adults, centered on skills to recognize bias.
“Is this a news outlet? Is their purpose primarily to share straight news and be objective? We should be looking out for the language that's being used. Is it really emotionally charged in a way that it might be trying to shape how you receive the information or is it being delivered objectively in a way of just letting you receive the news and make your own conclusions? “
Bovin adds, fact-checking and sourcing information is more important than ever with the rise of AI generated content.
“There are tools, for instance, like a reverse image search or just even using our critical thinking skills, pausing when we see something. Does this seem likely that this could be true and taking time to not be so taken aback by what we're seeing, that we might be drawn in by some misinformation or disinformation.”
Bovin says media literacy prepares adults to address false or biased information and encourages civil discourse.
More information about upcoming events and a News Literacy for All Ages resource list are on the Grand Rapids Public Library website.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
