What? Social media has been inundated with fake, AI-generated images of Hurricane Helene as well as conspiracy theories about the origin of Hurricane Milton.
So What? Experts warn that this type of misinformation has many negative effects, such as desensitization and skepticism toward such disasters, but it also makes it harder for meteorologists and first responders to get potentially life-saving information to those who need it most.
Now What? Urge your kids (and practice this yourself) not to post information about any natural disaster unless it comes from trusted and verified sources. These posts clog up social media feeds, making it more difficult for folks in need to find helpful resources. And even if shared as a joke or meme, many of the fake images can also serve as trojan horses for cyberattacks or contain links to scam fundraising campaigns.
What? A new study by UC Berkeley found that complete sanitization of our children’s online environment may make it harder for them to learn crucial fact-checking skills.
So What? In the experiment, the researchers exposed young children (ages 4 to 7) to information about animals. Kids who were fed known falsehoods (such as that zebras are red and green) were more likely to fact-check in the next phase of the experiment. Whereas kids who were fed only truths (that zebras are black and white) were less skeptical and more accepting of lies going forward.
Now What? If your child has access to the internet, consider incorporating this method into their learning experience. Like the researchers, start with two pieces of information about an animal to verify (one true and one false). As they get older, move on to tougher subjects, such as historical events. This practice can teach them to have a healthy level of skepticism and also help develop fact-checking skills that will serve them their whole lives.
What? Folks are expressing the happy feeling they get when they’re together by literally flipping each other upside down to the tune of Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down.”
So What? The trend is pretty cute, but it could also be pretty dangerous. Proper form and adequate strength are both prerequisites to ensure that the flipper doesn’t get kicked in the head and the flippee doesn’t get dropped.
Now What? If your teens jump on this silly trend, make sure they’re supervised and exercising the requisite amount of caution. And if any accidental injuries occur, seek medical care immediately.
The post On the Radar: Hurricane Misinformation, Fact-Checking Kids and the Upside-Down Trend appeared first on Plugged In.