Disinformation, Misinformation, and Fake News Teach-Out

Critical consumption through questioning

Emotions play a significant role in whether or not a news story resonates with us. Jo Angela Oehrli, Learning Librarian at the University of Michigan Library, recommends developing the ability to recognize an emotional response in order to more critically consume a piece of information.

Action Activity: Scan through a news website and look for a headline that resonates with you strongly, either positively or negatively. While you read the article, consider the following aspects of the story. If you feel comfortable, please share your observations.

• Headline: What is it about the headline that piqued your interest? Did you feel positively or negatively? Did that emotion make you want to read the article more or less?
• Body of the story: Does the article have the same emotional tone and effect as the headline? As you read, do your emotions change? If the article made the opposite point, would you have similar feelings?
• Questioning mindset: What are some ways you can question your own emotional response and ensure a critical reading of news? Can you recommend any self-monitoring practices to your fellow learners?