Media Literacy Review Questions

What is the definition of viral content?

• Content that spreads rapidly across the internet

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Intentional spreading of false or misleading information

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

Answer explanation

Viral content is defined as content that spreads rapidly across the internet, often due to its engaging or entertaining nature, making it widely shared among users.

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

• Misinformation is false or misleading information shared without intent to deceive, while disinformation is intentional spreading of false or misleading information

• Misinformation is intentional spreading of false or misleading information, while disinformation is false or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Misinformation and disinformation have the same meaning

• Misinformation is consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source, while disinformation is false or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that misinformation is shared without intent to deceive, while disinformation is spread intentionally to mislead. This distinction is crucial for understanding how information can be misused.

What is lateral reading?

• Intentional spreading of false or misleading information

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Content that spreads rapidly across the internet

Answer explanation

Lateral reading involves consulting external sources to assess the credibility of the main source. This practice helps verify information and avoid misinformation, making it the correct choice.

What is confirmation bias?

• Exploiting emotions to override critical thinking

• Believing information is true after repeated exposure, even if false

• Selecting content based on users past behavior and preferences

• Tendency to seek out information that aligns with and confirms existing beliefs

Answer explanation

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that aligns with and confirms existing beliefs, leading individuals to ignore or dismiss contradictory evidence.

What is important to remember when you come across viral content? (Check all that apply)

• Scrutinze the content for supporting evidence

• Share the content as quickly as possible

• Ignore the source of the content

• Read beyond the headline and search for more details.

Answer explanation

When encountering viral content, it's crucial to scrutinize it for supporting evidence and read beyond the headline for more details. This helps ensure the information is accurate and reliable.

What are filter bubbles?

• Social groups that reinforce each other's beliefs

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

• Content that spreads rapidly across the internet

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

Answer explanation

Filter bubbles are social groups that reinforce each other's beliefs, limiting exposure to differing viewpoints and creating an echo chamber effect.

What are echo chambers?

• Social groups that reinforce each other's beliefs

• Content that spreads rapidly across the internet

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

Answer explanation

Echo chambers are social groups where members reinforce each other's beliefs, often leading to a lack of exposure to differing viewpoints. This can create a distorted perception of reality and strengthen existing biases.

What is the illusory truth effect?

• Believing information is true after repeated exposure, even if false

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Intentional spreading of false or misleading information

Answer explanation

The illusory truth effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals come to believe information is true simply because they have been exposed to it repeatedly, regardless of its actual truthfulness.

What are social media algorithms?

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

• Intentional spreading of false or misleading information

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Systems that curate content based on user preferences and past interactions

Answer explanation

Social media algorithms are systems that curate content based on user preferences and past interactions, helping to personalize the user experience by showing relevant posts and advertisements.

What is click restraint?

• Intentional spreading of false or misleading information

• Consulting external sources to evaluate credibility of main source

• False or misleading information shared without intent to deceive

• Tendency to click on content that aligns with existing beliefs

Answer explanation

Click restraint refers to the tendency to click on content that aligns with existing beliefs, leading to confirmation bias. This choice highlights how individuals often seek information that supports their pre-existing views.