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On Data Literacy
To stem misinformation, begin with education
When the printing press was first introduced, one scholar warned that it was “creating an overload of information that would be confusing and harmful to the mind” (Conrad Gessner).
Similarly, having too many avenues that offer updates today can feel dizzying — excess choice also had the adverse consequence of fatigue, which make snap judgements a means of relief. Information without context and the means to interpret/analyze it is just more noise.
Here’s some problems and possible solutions on the topic of misinformation, and why I believe data literacy should be a part of the skillset students develop to participate responsibly in our digital world.
Problem 1: Opinion online ≠ opinion IRL
What is trending on one platform doesn’t account for the actual general public’s opinion, though it may feel that way.
First, a platform is not a neutral. It congregates and elevates the opinion of a small groups of vocal people to a much larger audience.
Most systems offers you whatever best suits your interests through personalization, which isn’t necessary a bad thing, just an added hurdle if you’re looking for an opposing view.
While platforms do…
