top of page

Can you trust what you see?

Selena Gomez looked incredible at the 2023 Met Gala ... except she didn't go.



A fake photoshopped image of Selena's face on the body of Met Gala 2022 attendee Lily James went viral on Twitter - with 13.9 million views, 25,800 retweets and 300,100 likes.


It is estimated that only 2% of school children have the basic critical literacy skills to tell the difference between real and fake news.

It is important to remember that not all ‘fake news’ and misinformation is malicious, some, like this, are fairly harmless. However, increases in fake news cause:

  • distrust in the validity of the media

  • manipulations of the democratic process

  • threads and platforms about harmful conspiracy theories and hate speech gaining popularity

  • lies discrediting reliable science


This is why we must do more to make sure that children and young people can spot fake news online and keep their faith in trustworthy media outlets. It is estimated that only 2% of school children have the basic critical literacy skills to tell the difference between real and fake news.


Recently, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the University of New South Wales’ AI Institute said that “when it comes to any digital data you see – audio or video – you have to entertain the idea that someone has spoofed it.”

Worried about advances in AI? So are we. We think it could be an oncoming storm for children’s safety online. Check out our recent article ‘Is artificial intelligence putting children at risk?’.


 

Want to know more?


On the 8th of March 2023, Breck Foundation spoke to the Charlotte Project about misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

Watch this recording to find out about examples of fake news going all the way back to BC, top tips for how to spot misinformation and where to go to get reliable information.


Kommentare


Take action today and help end online grooming crimes

Only by working together can we help young people reclaim the internet 

You might also be interested in...

bottom of page