News Literacy Project

@newslit.org

14746 Followers 1577 Following

We advance the development and teaching of news literacy in K-12 education. #NewsLiteracy https://newslit.org/

A post reads, “A major study involving more than 470,000 participants has found that using sunscreen massively increases the risk of three major types of skin cancer. According to the UK Biobank study, frequent sunscreen users faced a 292% higher risk of invasive melanoma, a 140% higher risk of basal cell carcinoma, and a 126% higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma.” It includes a screenshot of an article titled “Sunscreen Shock: Major Study Finds Melanoma Risk Nearly Quadruples Among Sunscreen Users” and an image of a person wearing a lot of sunscreen. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
Graphic promoting a News Literacy Project webinar in partnership with Share My Lesson's 2026 Summer of Learning: Navigating Information, Misinformation and AI: Where Do We Start?
A screenshot of two social media posts. The first reads “MCCONNELL releases a photo – and statement. ‘To my fellow Kentuckians – When you elected me to a seventh term and made me our Commonwealth’s…’” and features a photograph of Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell sitting in a hospital bed holding a newspaper next to his wife, Elaine Chao. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “GENUINE.” The second post reads “A closer look at the AI paper McConnell was reading” and includes an image that appears to show a close-up of the newspaper revealing garbled text. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
Graphic promoting a News Literacy Project webinar in partnership with Share My Lesson's 2026 Summer of Learning: Navigating Information, Misinformation and AI: Where Do We Start?
A post reads, “Germany’s Traffic Lights Melt as Heatwave Intensifies” and includes an image that appears to show a melted traffic light. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE CONTEXT.”
Graphic with header text: Navigating Information, Misinformation and AI: Where Do We Start?
Text-heavy infographic about confirmation bias and motivated reasoning, with boxes explaining different aspects of the cognitive biases. Boxes include: Confirmation bias is; motivated reasoning is; information habits, political polarization & conspiracy theories; Interesting studies; & “our best defenses.”
Graphic with purple background and headshot of Sharon McMahon, "America's Government Teacher" promoting her speaking at the National News Literacy Conference Oct. 8-10 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Image of Taylor Swift Travis Kelce kissing with text about their rumored wedding at Madison Square Garden, highlighting potential scarcity of real photos due to high security.
Text-heavy and colorful infographic titled BREAKING NEWS CHECKLIST with 6 tips on "What to do when information is scarce, falsehoods are rampant and the story is still unfolding" 1 Mind the gap: Keep in mind that there’s often a gap between what the public wants to know and the verified information available. Unconfirmed or completely bogus content often rushes in to fill that gap. 2 Beware bad actors: Remember that bad actors often capitalize on breaking news situations to spread falsehoods for easy likes and shares. 3 Do a quick search: This is often your best defense against misinformation. 4 Look for evidence: Claims that make bold assertions but provide no links or other evidence should always be approached with caution. 5 Seek credible sources: Be intentional about looking for credible news and not relying on social media algorithms to bring you updates. 6 Practice patience: Quality journalism and verification take time. Be ready to follow news developments over time.
A post reads, “Beluga Whale Escapes Research Facility And Swims Hundreds Of Miles Back To Her Baby” and includes an image that appears to show a beluga whale jumping out of its enclosure and into open water. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI IMAGE.”
Text-heavy infographic, light purple background. Header: Is it legit? 5 steps for vetting a news source. Sub-head: Many sources compete for attention online, including partisan blogs and bogus sites posing as legitimate news organizations. It can be tough to know what to trust. Follow these steps to cut through the noise and learn how to evaluate sources for signs of credibility – as well as for red flags that signal a source should be avoided. Top right there’s a QR code next to text: Test your source savvy! Scan this QR code to put your source-vetting skills to the test. Below that in a small white box there is a News Literacy Project and a SmartNews logo with text below: This infographic was created by the News Literacy Project in partnership with SmartNews, a news app for mobile devices. A future founded on facts. newslit.org 5 white boxes with tips. 1 Do a quick search 2 Look for standards 3 Check for transparency 4 Examine how errors are handled 5 Assess news coverage
Two children engaged with a tablet, underneath text about screen time after watching Toy Story 5, emphasizing tech's impact on well-being and the importance of in-person friendships.
Promotional graphic for ISTE Live 26 and ASCD Annual 2026 events in Orlando, focusing on future learning design.
Joyce celebrates her 24th birthday by promoting news literacy and raising over $600 for the cause in a beautiful outdoor setting.
A post from the Scottish Banter Facebook account reads, “Abraham Lincoln Statue Coned As US Learns Scotland Fans Are Not Just A Boston Problem” and includes an image that appears to show a traffic cone on the head of the Lincoln Memorial statue. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “NOT A GENUINE PHOTO.”
A person in the foreground gives a thumbs up while a person in the background adjusts a camera on a tripod in a room set up for filming with lighting equipment.
A post reads, “If you found out football was staged like WWE would you still watch it? This would be an insane correct score prediction… Two scores correct so far :white_check_mark:” and appears to show a screenshot of a person correctly predicting the scores of the first two World Cup games. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “ALTERED SCREENSHOT.”
SAVE the DATE! Librarian Conference, June 23-25, 2026, Online. Features an icon of a computer screen showing multiple participants in a video call.
A collage of analog activities to combat doomscrolling, featuring a hand holding an open book, the text "3 analog activities to try instead of doomscrolling" within a folder graphic, a person reading a newspaper, and stylized decorative elements like stars and a tree.
A post reads, “This California voter identifies as 19 different people” and includes an image that supposedly shows a person stuffing multiple ballots into a voting box in California. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI-GENERATED.”
Graphic showing a little free library and a hand holding zines. Text: Come with me to stock Little Free Libraries with news literacy zines and bookmarks
Announcement for the National News Literacy Conference, Oct. 8-10 in Salt Lake City. Features keynote speaker John Arthur, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year. Background shows a faded audience with a prominent headshot of John Arthur. Text encourages registration.
A post reads, “The pushback has begun. Judge rules Trump’s name must be removed from Kennedy Center #kennedycenter #pushback #whitehouse #dcmonuments” and features a video that appears to show construction workers removing President Donald Trump’s name from the side of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI-GENERATED.”
Purple background with text: Welcome to the Word Wall
Collage promoting news literacy with diverse young people and media icons. Text reads 'The future of our free press depends on news literacy. Support today!' A heart icon with 'You can help!' and News Literacy Project logo are included.
A post reads, “Where can we install this? Looks like it could solve the congestion problem at public charging stations :laughing:” and includes a video that appears to show a Tesla Cybertruck using a solar panel to charge itself while driving. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI-GENERATED.”
QUESTION ONE The First Amendment generally protects you from... Bubble in green to indicate it is the answer: Being arrested for recording the actions of police in public. Text: The First Amendment protects you only from government action against you for (legal) acts of expression. Private companies can legally fire, ban, censor or refuse to serve you because of your expressive activities without violating the First Amendment. (Note that state and federal civil rights laws prohibit private companies from discrimination for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability and sexual orientation.)
A grid background features a purple-tinted news anchor and cameraman in a circle. Bold text reads "First Amendment Pop Quiz" with a megaphone icon.
A collage of three social media posts. One reads, “WHAT IS THIS?! Dashcam catches dozens of RATS exploding out of a hole in a semi-trailer at highway speed like a horror movie. Deliberate release? Population control? Or something worse... hantavirus carriers being dropped into cities? WHO literally warned about this” and features a video that appears to show rats jumping off a truck. Another post reads, “Breaking: China officially bans all the US citizens to enter the country over outbreaking of hantavirus.” and features images of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a rodent. A third post reads, “We’ve seen this Hantavirus movie before… They just called it Covid” and features a video of a man smoking in a body bag. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
Split image of marketing styles. Left: "Millennial marketing team" with a formal conference announcement and registration info. Right: "Gen Z social team" with casual language and emojis, expressing enthusiasm for professional development.
Purple background with "infozones" title in middle surrounded by 5 white boxes. Box 1: "Propaganda is information that provokes you often by using false or distorted information to manipulate your emotions." Box 2: "Raw information is information that is unprocessed, meaning that it has not been analyzed, checked, edited, explained or placed in any context." Box 3: "Opinion is information that gives a particular perspective and persuades you, ideally through the use of fact-based evidence, to adopt a specific point of view about an issue or event." Box 4: "News is information that informs you, through fair and accurate reporting, about local, national and international events, issues and people of significance or interest." Box 5: "Advertising is information that is designed to sell a product or service." Box 6: "Entertainment is information that is created to amuse, please, relax or distract people."
A post reads, “I hate to say it but yup. That is Michael Jackson.” And includes a video that appears to show the late singer Michael Jackson riding a bus in May 2026. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI-GENERATED.”
A post reads, “Hantavirus is listed in Pfizer’s 38-page document. Page 33. It’s one of 1,233 listed side effects” and includes an image supposedly showing a Pfizer coronavirus vaccine vial and a screenshot from Pfizer listing various side effects. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
A social media post includes a siren emoji and a screenshot that appears to show a post from President Donald Trump that reads, “Gas prices are a little high right now, maybe because we’re WINNING too much, but that’s okay, because REAL Americans know how to adapt. Patriots don’t complain, they conserve. Here are some great, very smart tips: Keep your tires properly inflated. Big one. Huge. Saves a lot of gas, people don’t even realize. Drive steady, no crazy speeding like the lunatics. Smooth wins. Always. Only drive downhill whenever possible. I’ve been saying this for years, gravity is FREE energy. Nobody uses it like we should. Fill your tank at night so the gasoline is cooler and therefore more powerful. Science! Do your part. Save gas. Don’t be a liberal Democrat about it.” The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “IMPOSTOR CONTENT.”
A post reads, “You can stand where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee all meet, but it’s not some massive tourist attraction with ticket booths and crowds. It’s tucked away…” and includes an image that appears to show the location where you can stand in all three of these states at once. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI IMAGE.”
An infographic with 7 boxes. Headline: Seven Steps for Staying Sharp Online Each box has a box with a tip. The tips are: 1. Pause 2. Memes aren't news 3. Likes and shares ≠ credibility 4. Take time to assess sources 5. Get to the experts 6. Don't feed the trolls 7. Steer clear of conspiratorial thinking
A post reads, “JUST IN: Kid Rock addresses The Pentagon on the Strait of Hormuz” and includes an image showing musician Kid Rock standing at a podium in front of military officials. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE CONTEXT.”
An Instagram post reads, “Squirrel Vs. Waymo” and features a video that appears to show a squirrel’s dizzying trip atop of a Waymo vehicle’s spinning 3D mapping sensor. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI VIDEO.”
Text-heavy and colorful infographic titled BREAKING NEWS CHECKLIST with 6 tips on "What to do when information is scarce, falsehoods are rampant and the story is still unfolding" 1 Mind the gap: Keep in mind that there’s often a gap between what the public wants to know and the verified information available. Unconfirmed or completely bogus content often rushes in to fill that gap. 2 Beware bad actors: Remember that bad actors often capitalize on breaking news situations to spread falsehoods for easy likes and shares. 3 Do a quick search: This is often your best defense against misinformation. 4 Look for evidence: Claims that make bold assertions but provide no links or other evidence should always be approached with caution. 5 Seek credible sources: Be intentional about looking for credible news and not relying on social media algorithms to bring you updates. 6 Practice patience: Quality journalism and verification take time. Be ready to follow news developments over time.
Text-heavy infographic about confirmation bias and motivated reasoning, with boxes explaining different aspects of the cognitive biases. Boxes include: Confirmation bias is; motivated reasoning is; information habits, political polarization & conspiracy theories; Interesting studies; & “our best defenses."
A Facebook reel reads, “BREAKING: A dinghy has overturned in the English Channel after going out of control. Twenty-three people are feared missing; three have been rescued” and includes a video that appears to show an overturned boat. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
Text-heavy infographic titled "The Information Ecosystem Depends on News." It features a "News-Driven Ecosystem" diagram with sections like the public, journalism, and raw information, emphasizing interconnected roles. Illustrations of trees and people symbolize growth and influence. The tone is educational, highlighting the significance of journalism as an anchoring tree for an informed society.
A post reads, “Heart-stopping moment at the sanctuary! While cleaning the enclosure, the lock on the lion’s gate accidentally clicked open. What happened next left everyone frozen in place” and includes a video that appears to show a zookeeper running away after a tiger escapes its enclosure. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “AI-GENERATED.”
Banner promoting a webinar on 'Cultivating Concern for Credible Information: Teaching Teens About News and Civic Participation'. Features logos for News Literacy Project, edWeb.net, and Checkology, with bold text highlighting 'Free Webinar'. Background includes abstract imagery with engaging, educational tone.
#1 Legal Protection poster with text about press freedom laws and citizen rights. A microphone icon is at the bottom left. Background is purple grid.
A social media post contains an artistic rendering of the Artemis II lunar mission, the moon, and imagery from the Pink Floyd album “The Dark Side of the Moon” and the text, “The Orion took 42:50 to go around the Dark Side of the Moon. Runtime of the album? 42:50.” The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
Banner promoting a webinar on 'Cultivating Concern for Credible Information: Teaching Teens About News and Civic Participation'. Features logos for News Literacy Project, edWeb.net, and Checkology, with bold text highlighting 'Free Webinar'. Background includes abstract imagery with engaging, educational tone.
A collage features images of three NBA players, Patrick Williams, Tyrese Maxey and Kawhi Leonard, and a quote ostensibly spoken by all of them: “I stand with Jaden Ivey on everything he said. If they cut him, they might as well cut me too.” The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FAKE QUOTES.”
Teen safety poster with six tips for using AI and social media. Includes prioritizing in-person relationships, watching for misinformation, being mindful of data collection, understanding AI as a learning tool, managing screen time, and discussing AI and social media. Each tip has two columns: one explains the reality, the other provides ways to help. Icons illustrate each point. The tone is informative and supportive.
A post reads, “THE TRUTH WILL GIVE YOU FREE” and features an image that appears to show the Artemis II astronauts filming part of their mission against a green screen. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “NOT STAGED.”
A post reads, “Man accidentally found the ‘ranch hidden valley’ logo in real life and didn’t even know it” and includes a video of a picturesque valley next to an image of a bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing. The News Literacy Project added a label that says “FALSE.”
Graphic with a red background. Text reads: 'Question One: The First Amendment doesn't protect students while they're in school.' Below, it states 'False' in a red circle. Further text explains the Tinker v. Des Moines case, affirming students' First Amendment rights in school. News Literacy Project logo at the bottom.
Image promoting a 'First Amendment Pop Quiz' featuring photographers, an 'On Air' sign, and prompts to test knowledge, with a purple grid background.
A post reads, “Breaking News: Tensions Peak in the Strait of Hormuz :rotating_light:Iran has shocked the world by seizing an American vessel. The U.S. attempt has failed! Iran’s direct message: The Strait of Hormuz is not for America” and features a video of a large ship. The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “FALSE.”
A post reads, “Ok, I'm spilling the beans. Yesterday myself and several others were paid between $20 and $40 per hour to attend a No Kings protest. The reason many people don’t talk about it is because it impacts our welfare payments if we disclose. MAGA cope and seethe.” The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “PARODY ACCOUNT.”
Call for Proposals National News Literacy Conference Oct. 8-10, 2026 Don't miss your chance to present! Submit by Apr. 3
A post reads, “Breaking News. Michael B. Jordan has finally responded after Kim Kardashian’s viral comment asking if he’s single following his Oscars win” and includes images of the actor, the reality star and an apparent screenshot of a post from Jordan that reads, “I’m good. Every time a successful Black man is winning, somehow you try to insert yourself into the moment and shift the narrative. Not happening here. I worked too hard for this to turn into something else. Respectfully… keep me out of it.” The News Literacy Project has added a label that says “IMPOSTOR CONTENT.”