Strategic Framework FY19-FY22 - Report - Page 2
The Problem
News today comes from many directions — often in packaging that is
confusing, if not downright contradictory. Even the most sophisticated
audiences find it increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate
news — information gathered in a dispassionate search for truth — and
materials that are created to persuade, sell, mislead or exploit.
A Stanford University study of more than 7,800 middle school, high school
and college students in 12 states, published in November 2016, found that
an overwhelming majority of all age groups were unable to assess the
credibility of the information that floods their smartphones, tablets and
computers — despite their aptitude for digital and social media.
That’s a stunning paradox.
Young People Are Vulnerable
More than
80%
of middle school
students believed that
sponsored content was
a real news story.
2
The News Literacy Project
Fewer than
20%
of high school
students questioned
the credibility of a
misleading photo.
Fewer than
1/3
of college students could
identify the political
agenda of a lobbying
group’s tweet.
