Week One: Age of Misinformation/Disinformation

The age of misinformation has significant implications for racial justice, as false information and biased narratives can perpetuate stereotypes and influence public opinion and policy. This topic investigates how misinformation and disinformation spread through social media and other platforms, disproportionately affecting communities of color. It also explores the intersection of race, technology, and media literacy, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and reliable sources to combat the spread of harmful misinformation.

Week One Themes

  • Understanding Misinformation / Disinformation and Its Impact: In this session, we will examine the concepts of misinformation and disinformation, exploring their effects on society and their role in perpetuating racial injustice. We will distinguish between the unintentional spread of false information and the deliberate use of deception, analyzing the motivations behind these tactics and their potential to manipulate public perception and sow distrust. Additionally, we will discuss how misinformation can fracture communities, undermine trust in institutions, and disproportionately harm marginalized groups. By the end of this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of why combating misinformation is crucial to advancing social justice.
  • The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Misinformation: In this session, we will examine the role of social media in disseminating misinformation, particularly regarding issues related to racial justice. You will explore how algorithms contribute to the creation of echo chambers that amplify false narratives and exacerbate societal divisions. By understanding the ways in which social media platforms prioritize sensational content, you will gain greater insight into how these platforms shape public perception on critical topics such as elections, protests, and policies. This discussion will equip you with the tools to critically evaluate the information you encounter online.
  • Misinformation and Marginalized Communities: In this session, we’ll talk about how misinformation and disinformation often target marginalized communities to harm, silence, or disenfranchise them. You’ll learn how false information is used to discourage voting, spread health myths, and discredit racial equity movements. Using real examples, we’ll explore how these tactics impact Black and Brown communities. By the end, you’ll be better prepared to spot these harmful strategies and push for change.
  • Recognizing and Combatting Misinformation / Disinformation: This session focuses on developing the skills necessary to identify misinformation and protect yourself and your community from its harmful effects. We will explore practical strategies for fact-checking, recognizing bias, and evaluating trustworthy sources in an information-saturated media landscape. This session will equip you with the tools to actively counter misinformation, a crucial step in advancing racial justice. By the end, you will be prepared to apply these skills in your daily life and activism.
  • How AI Shapes Misinformation: Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in both the creation and dissemination of misinformation. AI tools facilitate the production of deepfakes, misleading content, and algorithm-driven echo chambers, making false information more convincing and widespread. At the same time, AI can also serve as a tool in combating misinformation through fact-checking and content moderation. This theme will explore AI’s dual role and its implications for ethics, trust, and media literacy.