Navigating Media Literacy in a Digital World

October 19, 2026

group of seniors standing and using their cellphone

Brooke MacCallum

Now more than ever, it has become increasingly more difficult to discern whether what we see online is true. If you’ve ever watched a convincing video of a bear jumping on a trampoline that was made with artificial intelligence (AI), or read a political post on Facebook that turned out to be factually incorrect, this is a common experience. The internet is a great source of information, but unfortunately, it’s also full of misinformation.

To address this issue, Media Literacy Week is hosted every October in Canada by MediaSmarts to help promote digital media literacy for all ages. Most of us are familiar with the concept of ‘media literacy,’ but do we fully understand what that encompasses? Here’s the definition from The Canadian Encyclopedia that paints a fuller picture:

Media literacy refers to the ability to interpret and understand how various forms of media operate, and the impact those media can have on one’s perspective on people, events or issues.

To be media literate is to understand that media are constructions, that audiences negotiate meaning, that all media have commercial, social and political implications, and that the content of media depends in part on the nature of the medium.

Media literacy involves thinking critically and actively deconstructing the media one consumes. It also involves understanding one’s role as a consumer and creator of media and understanding the ways in which governments regulate media.

Why media literacy matters

As more services, news sources, and social connections move online, digital skills are becoming an essential part of daily life. Statistics Canada shares that half of Canadians over the age of 65 use social media regularly, and more than 80 per cent use the internet in some capacity. Whether you're reading the news, keeping up with loved ones on Facebook, or researching health information, the ability to carefully evaluate what you see online is a must.

Unfortunately, spotting misinformation isn’t always simple. False or misleading content often looks convincing and can spread quickly on social media. Sometimes misinformation is shared intentionally, but more often it is passed along by well-meaning people who believe it to be true. The solution isn’t to avoid the internet altogether. Instead, developing strong media literacy skills can help us enjoy the benefits of being online while minimizing the risk of being misled by inaccurate or deceptive content.

How to use the SIFT method

When determining if an article, social media post, or video is credible, try using the SIFT method. This is a simple fact-checking approach developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield from Washington State University. The four steps are:

S: Stop

Before reacting, sharing, or commenting on a post, take a moment to pause. Many online posts are designed to create a strong emotional response. If something makes you feel angry, shocked, worried, or excited, that is often a good reason to look more closely before immediately accepting it as true. Scammers and creators of misleading content frequently rely on emotional reactions to encourage people to share information quickly.

Ask yourself:

Who is sharing this information?
What is their purpose?
Does the claim seem unusually dramatic or sensational?

I: Investigate the Source

Not all information sources are equally trustworthy. Look beyond the headline and find out who created the content. Is it a reputable news organization, government agency, educational institution, or recognized expert? Or is it an unfamiliar website with little information about its authors or organization? A quick online search can often tell you whether a source has a good reputation for accuracy.

F: Find Better Coverage

One of the most effective ways to verify information is to see whether other credible sources are reporting the same thing. If a major claim appears on only one website or social media account, that may be a warning sign. Reliable news stories are usually covered by multiple reputable organizations. Government websites, trusted news outlets, universities, and health care institutions can all provide useful points of comparison.

T: Trace Claims to the Original Context

Sometimes information is technically true, but presented in a misleading way. Photos may be taken out of context. Statistics can be presented lacking important details. Quotes can be shortened to change their meaning. It’s always a good idea to try locating the original source of a claim. If a social media post references a study, look for the study itself. If a news story cites a government report, read the original report or summary. Going back to the source often provides valuable context that may be missing from reposts.

Becoming a confident digital citizen

The internet is a wonderful place to learn, connect with others, and stay informed. Many older adults use digital tools on a daily basis to access services, pursue hobbies, and stay engaged with their communities. And while these benefits shouldn’t be overshadowed by concerns about misinformation, it’s still important to be aware of this growing problem.

Media literacy is a skill that can be developed at any age. Slow down, check sources, and apply strategies like the SIFT method to help you become more confident navigating this changing digital landscape. Challenge yourself to verify a story before sharing it, and talk with friends and family members about learning these skills. Together, we can help create a safer and more informed online community.