Apparently the efforts to enlighten older adults can cut both ways.
Perhaps in reaction to being branded irrelevant and out-of-step, many older adults have received, under the banner of "digital literacy," technical education about using modern technology tools ... which should be a really good thing, right?
Well, sorta.
Unfortunately, our educational efforts have focused primarily, if not exclusively, on the tech side of the equation, meaning that throngs of older adults are flocking to an array of online "news" sites.
Which brings us to the missing element of digital literacy - discernment. As a result, in the excitement of their expanded horizons, many are being fooled by the slick, persuasive "chatter" of self-anointed "analysts" who "tell it like it really is" - except for when it's not.
On a recent walk in my neighborhood, a kindly gentleman - a long-retired professor- "reported" to me that his favorite news source told him that the Capitol insurrection didn't really happen. Even worse, he and his wife (a former educator) have misinformation inculcated into their belief system.
Trying to have a rational discussion in that context is a tough test for a journalism undergrad who has studied mass communication and public opinion. I hope that all with greater discernment skills can be patient and helpful in the other crucial element of digital literacy.
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