Information and misinformation

I am able to demonstrate critical thinking
I understand the journalistic approach, especially the importance of verifying information
I recognize the importance of validating sources
I understand the concept of “infox” and its relevance in media literacy
I am able to detect the traps of misinformation
I am familiar with the different steps of fact-checking

Q1: Demonstrating “critical thinking” means:

A: Criticizing journalists who do not follow professional ethical rules
B: Not believing the information circulating in traditional media
C: Not believing the information circulating on the Internet and social networks
D: Being able to reason independently, rationally, and consciously in the face of information while considering the author’s intentions

Q2: Good practices when handling information include:

A: Verify sources, separate facts from interpretation, compare interpretations, and prioritize those based on experience and research over assumptions and beliefs
B: Verify sources, analyze interpretations, have them validated by a third party, try to understand underlying motives, and favor interpretations based on evidence over assumptions
C: Verify sources, research the author, the number of articles written on the topic, and the number of followers before validating an assumption
D: Question accuracy and the author’s intent, even if based on experience and research

Q3: To validate a source, you should:

A: Ensure it does not come from social networks
B: Know the author and trust them
C: Determine the origin of the information, verify it comes from an expert source, then cross-check it
D: Ensure it is published in traditional media

Q4: The terms “infox”, false information, or fake news describe information that is:

A: Contrary to general beliefs and problematic in public debate
B: Fabricated, altered, or distorted and deliberately spread to manipulate citizens
C: Cannot be verified despite being true
D: Spread rapidly by Internet users

Q5: To counteract misinformation, one should:

A: Allow all kinds of information to circulate and help young people sharpen critical thinking
B: Hold platforms and Internet giants accountable
C: Limit freedom of expression online and journalists’ work
D: Prepare the population to face increasing misinformation by offering media literacy training

Q6: Even though fact-checking helps fight misinformation, caution is needed because:

A: Some issues cannot be resolved by simple fact-checking, such as political, opinion, or moral questions
B: Media may inadvertently spread other fake news
C: Journalists cannot verify every piece of information
D: Media are often motivated by financial interests, which affect judgment