With social media brimming with content on everything from sun safety to DIY remedies for serious health issues, Canadian students are navigating a tricky landscape of health misinformation. Although digital literacy is part of Canada’s school curriculum, students and experts alike believe more robust education is essential to help young people critically assess online health information.
University of Toronto student Soliana Lijiam, who recently conducted a study on misinformation’s impact, noted how easy it is for students to misinterpret health information online. “It’s simple to scroll and absorb content without questioning its validity,” she said, highlighting the need for increased media literacy education to help students sift facts from fiction.
At a recent Together Against Misinformation Youth Conference, students and experts gathered to discuss tools for tackling misinformation. Kofi Brako, a McMaster University student, emphasized that while social media is engaging, it can blur the lines between opinion and evidence. “It’s hard to analyze when content is so compelling,” he remarked, adding that quick videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be highly persuasive, even if inaccurate.
Catherine Burwell, an education professor at the University of Calgary, advocates for digital literacy across various subjects, not just civics or health classes. “Lessons on misinformation should be integrated into science, health, and other subjects, especially with the climate crisis and health topics becoming part of students’ daily interactions,” Burwell advised. Such holistic learning could empower students to navigate the online world more adeptly and understand the broader societal impact of misinformation.
To further these goals, developmental pediatrician Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas has partnered with students to equip teens and young adults with tools to evaluate online content critically. Beyond just providing skills, the conference aimed to instill responsibility in young content creators, encouraging thoughtful and informed sharing. “If you’re creating health-related content, think about the ripple effect it can have,” said Dr. Minhas.
Source: Swifteradio.com
