Media Literacy
Media Literacy: The ability to think critically about information from sources
Understanding Fact vs. Opinion vs. Informed Opinion:
Fact: A piece of information presented as having objective reality
● A statement, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, that can be proven
with evidence
● Something that can be proven true
Opinion: A belief, judgement, or way of thinking about something
● Thoughts on a subject, not necessarily informed by fact, often informed
by emotion
● A person’s worldview, applied in a specific situation
Informed Opinion: Based on possession of information and a belief, judgement,
or way of thinking about something
● Thoughts on a subject by someone who is familiar with facts, studies,
trends, or firsthand experience
● A person’s worldview when applied to, or incorporating facts
The Role of Informed Opinion in Journalism
● True news segments, whether written, televised, or interactive, will rely on
fact and sourcing in order to provide information to the reader or viewer
● An opinion piece, particularly about a newsworthy issue, will be informed
by facts, but will allow one particular stance or viewpoint to shine
through in order to persuade the reader to agree with the opinion
● Therefore, they rely on informed opinions
How Can We Tell the Real News from the Fake?
In our everyday lives, when you see a “news story” being shared on social media
or elsewhere, you should ask yourself:
Media Literacy: The ability to think critically about information from sources
Understanding Fact vs. Opinion vs. Informed Opinion:
Fact: A piece of information presented as having objective reality
● A statement, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, that can be proven
with evidence
● Something that can be proven true
Opinion: A belief, judgement, or way of thinking about something
● Thoughts on a subject, not necessarily informed by fact, often informed
by emotion
● A person’s worldview, applied in a specific situation
Informed Opinion: Based on possession of information and a belief, judgement,
or way of thinking about something
● Thoughts on a subject by someone who is familiar with facts, studies,
trends, or firsthand experience
● A person’s worldview when applied to, or incorporating facts
The Role of Informed Opinion in Journalism
● True news segments, whether written, televised, or interactive, will rely on
fact and sourcing in order to provide information to the reader or viewer
● An opinion piece, particularly about a newsworthy issue, will be informed
by facts, but will allow one particular stance or viewpoint to shine
through in order to persuade the reader to agree with the opinion
● Therefore, they rely on informed opinions
How Can We Tell the Real News from the Fake?
In our everyday lives, when you see a “news story” being shared on social media
or elsewhere, you should ask yourself:
