Cultivating Fact-Checkers: Exposing Children to Online Misinformation

By Jurassic JennOct 11, 2024 20:12 PMScience
Share:
 Cultivating Fact-Checkers: Exposing Children to Online Misinformation
Children surfing the internet. Source: https://www.freepik.com/

In today's world, where online misinformation is prevalent, UC Berkeley psychologists have proposed a surprising solution: intentionally exposing young children to misinformation under controlled conditions. Evan Orticio, a Ph.D. student in Psychology and the paper's main author published in "Nature Human Behaviour," asserts that this approach can enhance children's fact-checking skills. Instead of shielding children from all misinformation, adults should help them develop critical thinking skills needed to discern facts from falsehoods online, Phys.org reported.

Children surfing the internet
Children surfing the internet. Source: https://stock.adobe.com/

Orticio's studies involved 122 children between ages 4 and 7 examining various truths and fabrications in digital contexts, such as an e-book and search engine results about animals like zebras, as well as fictional alien species called Zorpies. Observations revealed that children exposed to more false information were more rigorous in fact-checking new scenarios compared to those who had encountered fewer inaccuracies. The experiments suggest that children can adapt their skepticism based on the quality of prior digital interactions.

Social platforms
Social platforms. Source: https://www.linkedin.com/

The study highlights an urgent need to prepare children for online experiences, noting that many encounter misinformation via social platforms at young ages. Even platforms marketed as child-friendly can host misleading content, thereby falsely reassuring parents about their children's safety. Orticio advocates for guiding children to leverage skepticism constructively rather than striving for a completely sanitized internet experience. Direct discussions with children about media literacy are recommended to cultivate a healthy skepticism essential in navigating today's digital landscape.

Earlier, SSP wrote that scientists managed to replicate animal movements with striking accuracy.

Top Articles
What double rainbow means in spiritual sense

Meaning of double rainbow as a spiritual sign from above

Oct 16, 2024 13:27 PM
Symbolism and meaning of crickets

Symbolism and meaning of the cricket as a spirit animal

Oct 15, 2024 13:01 PM

Meaning of the yellow butterfly. Symbolism and spiritual meaning of the encounter

Oct 15, 2024 15:05 PM

Keep seeing the number of angel 2222? Read its spiritual meaning

Oct 14, 2024 17:01 PM
More News
Three zodiac signs will experience an invigorating surge of energy: horoscope for January 21

Three zodiac signs will experience an invigorating surge of energy: horoscope for January 21

Jan 21, 2025 12:21 PM
What does a king mean in your dream?

What does a king mean in your dream?

Jan 21, 2025 12:04 PM

A rise in confidence and self-esteem: horoscope for the end of month

Jan 21, 2025 11:18 AM

Tippi Hedren Celebrates 95th Birthday with Daughter Melanie Griffith

Jan 21, 2025 11:17 AM
Three Zodiac Signs are Poised for Professional Breakthroughs

Three Zodiac Signs are Poised for Professional Breakthroughs

Jan 21, 2025 10:56 AM
Anthony Mackie Discusses How Chris Evans Shared Spoiler for Captain America: Brave New World

Anthony Mackie Discusses How Chris Evans Shared Spoiler for Captain America: Brave New World

Jan 21, 2025 10:13 AM
 What Does It Mean to Dream of a Teacher?

What Does It Mean to Dream of a Teacher?

Jan 21, 2025 09:51 AM
Why Travis Kelce Used the Nickname "Charles" in Childhood

Why Travis Kelce Used the Nickname "Charles" in Childhood

Jan 21, 2025 09:32 AM
Three zodiac signs should step out of their comfort zone: horoscope for January 21

Three zodiac signs should step out of their comfort zone: horoscope for January 21

Jan 21, 2025 09:08 AM

Jade Thirlwall Reveals Harry Styles Ignored Her After Their Date

Jan 21, 2025 08:47 AM

Unexpected Financial Windfalls Await Three Zodiac Signs

Jan 21, 2025 08:26 AM
These zodiac signs may feel deeply attuned to their studies: horoscope for the end of month

These zodiac signs may feel deeply attuned to their studies: horoscope for the end of month

Jan 21, 2025 08:05 AM
Melania Trump's Hat Designer Discusses Inauguration Buzz

Melania Trump's Hat Designer Discusses Inauguration Buzz

Jan 21, 2025 08:04 AM
Yellow aura

9 Spiritual Meanings of Yellow Aura

Jan 21, 2025 07:41 AM
Three zodiac signs can expect opportunities dedicated to personal development: horoscope for January 21

Three zodiac signs can expect opportunities dedicated to personal development: horoscope for January 21

Jan 21, 2025 07:03 AM

These zodiac signs may find themselves gravitating towards social events: horoscope for this week

Jan 20, 2025 20:54 PM

Three zodiac signs will undergo significant personal development

Jan 20, 2025 20:12 PM
 Hailey Bieber Stuns in Oversized Furry Coat During Dinner with Jenner Sisters in Aspen

Hailey Bieber Stuns in Oversized Furry Coat During Dinner with Jenner Sisters in Aspen

Jan 20, 2025 19:35 PM
Three zodiac signs to experience shocking motivation: horoscope for January 20

Three zodiac signs to experience shocking motivation: horoscope for January 20

Jan 20, 2025 19:31 PM
These zodiac signs will explore various forms of relaxation: horoscope for this week

These zodiac signs will explore various forms of relaxation: horoscope for this week

Jan 20, 2025 18:25 PM
Acorn Dream Meanings and Spiritual Significance

Acorn Dream Meanings and Spiritual Significance

Jan 20, 2025 18:06 PM
 Former Chiefs Cheerleader Reveals Swift and Kelce's Game Day Tradition

Former Chiefs Cheerleader Reveals Swift and Kelce's Game Day Tradition

Jan 20, 2025 18:00 PM

Spencer Pratt Discusses TikTok Earnings After Home Loss in L.A. Fires

Jan 20, 2025 17:15 PM

Three zodiac signs can expect a time of intense personal development

Jan 20, 2025 16:59 PM
Kate Middleton and Family Enjoy Ski Vacation Before Remission Announcement

Kate Middleton and Family Enjoy Ski Vacation Before Remission Announcement

Jan 20, 2025 16:45 PM
Three zodiac signs bound to face intriguing prospects: horoscope for January 20

Three zodiac signs bound to face intriguing prospects: horoscope for January 20

Jan 20, 2025 16:18 PM