Abstract:
Combating the effects of misinformation is of growing concern in mass communications
research but classroom lesson plans are sparse. This study sought to curate a civic media
literacy lesson plan that develops the individual's ability to identify and avoid
misinformation. A two week intervention educated students on the historical link between
democracy and the mass media while also preparing them to be critical consumers of
news content. Findings suggest news media skepticism was improved although there was
not strong statistical support overall. Future studies could improve by extending the
timeframe of the intervention and incorporating digital literacy teaching tools that prepare
students to combat misinformation by exposing them to it.
