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Is It Fake News? Think about It! Be Skeptical!
Juan G. Ramirez
BEFORE YOU READ:
1. What are deep fakes and fake news? Share what you know.
2. What does it mean to be skeptical? What are some things you are skeptical about? Give some examples.
Think Critically
In the 2024 elections, we need to be aware of fake news and deep fakes. It is now easy for people to share false information. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) can copy the voices of politicians and make it look like they are saying something that they never said. We must protect ourselves by thinking critically and by being skeptical of what we read. We cannot take the news at face value.
Be Skeptical
Education will help us think critically about what we see in the media. Schools for kids and adults should teach media literacy. We should learn how to fact-check by using tools like Snopes, which can help us know what is true and what is a lie. It is important to verify information before sharing it. We should learn how to know if a source is reputable. We should check multiple sources to try to learn what is true. By being skeptical, we can make fake news less effective at tricking people.
Make a Functional Democracy
Everyone should want a better future. It starts with working together to educate ourselves and get the truth on current events. That way, we can have a functional democracy and a president who will commit to making this country a better one for all people.
AFTER YOU READ:
1. In the first paragraph, the author says, “It is now easy for people to share false information.” What’s different about now than, say, 10 years ago? How is it easier for people to share false information?
2. In that same paragraph, the author says, “We cannot take the news at face value.” What does he mean by that? (Note: “face value” is figurative language.”)
3. For more on how to identify fake news, see p. 7.
Juan Ramirez was born in Juarez, Mexico. He enjoys working on cars and taking walks in the evenings. He loves the taste of Mexican food. He likes to spend his time learning as much as he can, especially, English, which is not his first language. He is a student at Ysleta Community Learning Center in El Paso, Texas.