Report shows teens and public demand media literacy amid misinformation surge

A recent report from the News Literacy Project reveals that 94% of teens want media literacy education, citing the overwhelming amount of misinformation they encounter daily. The finding highlights a growing awareness among young people about the importance of navigating today’s information landscape.

While it might seem surprising that teens care about media literacy, their school experiences shed light on their motivations. In a high school setting, accurate information often serves as a form of social capital. Being caught sharing false or outlandish claims, like a belief in Bigfoot, can lead to ridicule from peers. For many teens, this creates a strong incentive to seek out accurate information and avoid misinformation.

The desire for media literacy education isn’t limited to youth. According to a 2020 study, nearly half of the population (47%) believes major internet companies contribute to public misinformation, and 52% feel these companies amplify unpopular views. Additionally, 60% of respondents said these platforms do more to divide society than unite it.

The growing dissatisfaction with misinformation and polarization underscores a broader call for media literacy. Both teens and adults are recognizing the need for tools to discern credible information from false or polarizing content.

As public demand for media literacy grows, experts see it as a positive shift. By equipping people with the skills to evaluate information critically, media literacy education could help counter misinformation and foster a more informed society.