Media Literacy and Confirmation Bias

Media Literacy Defined

The National Association for Media Literacy Education Links to an external site. defines media literacy as “the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication." In other words, if we're media literate people, then we know how to find information using all forms of media (text, audio, video, photos, charts, etc.). In addition, we know how to think critically about the information, evaluate its credibility, and use it ethically. We can even create our own communication in a media literate way.

Confirmation Bias, Echo Chambers, and Filter Bubbles

Confirmation bias affects everyone, and often we're not even aware of it. But what exactly is confirmation bias? Watch this short video (2 minutes and 56 seconds) to learn about confirmation bias and two related terms: echo chamber and filter bubble.

 

Terms defined in the following video:

Confirmation bias - the tendency to interpret information in a way that matches our beliefs.

Echo chamber - a space online or in person in which we are only exposed to information that supports our existing beliefs.

Filter bubble - result of online algorithms (meaning rules that need to be followed) that tailor information based on our past searches and demonstrated preferences.

"Confirmation Bias Part 1: Defining the Problem" Links to an external site. by Gumberg Library Links to an external site., Duquesne University Links to an external site.