Session 1 – Thinking critically about the information we see on websites

Session 1

#sunsoutgunsout Wish you were here! #paradise! After Before 3 weeks!!

I’m newly homeless but loving life being free to explore! London Homelesslife.blog.uk Joined in December 2014

What may be misleading about this blog?

Which result would you go to first?

Author: Who is the author? It should be easy to find who/what organisation is behind a website. Can you trust them? What else have they published? Can you find them on other sites?

Reliability: Is it a reliable organisation – a university, broadcaster or subject expert? Can you tell how up to date it is? Is it regularly updated? If you want to use info, you need to know how old it is.

Balance: Is it fact or opinion? Is it just giving one point of view? Could they have their own agenda – selling something, or a political organisation?

Check other sources, both online and offline Trust your gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Or you can call or chat online to Childline Tell a trusted adult

Session 2 – Defining violent extremism and thinking critically about the information we see on social media

Session 2

Reviews Adverts Answers Images, video and audio Opinions Everything!

To make you do something To sell you something To change your views and beliefs To persuade you

One way of influencing or changings someone’s beliefs is to use propaganda. But… Propaganda is a way of spreading information in order to influence public opinion and to manipulate other people's beliefs. It will often involve sharing opinions or information which is not impartial in order to drive an agenda.

What were they trying to do? How were they trying to make people feel?

Violent extremism is the promotion and glorification of acts of violence often targeting a particular group. Violent extremists may adopt manipulative tactics in order to encourage individuals to engage in acts of violence, either in this country or overseas. definition of extremism We do not allow content that expresses support for groups that are involved in the violent or criminal behaviour. Supporting or praising leaders of those same organisations, or condoning their violent activities, is also not allowed. We welcome broad discussion and social commentary on these general subjects, but ask that people show sensitivity towards victims of violence and discrimination.

Even our news channels can be fooled by inaccurate information

Who shared the information? What is the sharer’s perspective? Consider what viewpoint the person is coming from. Where have they got their information from? Check the source and question the credibility of information. Remember, anyone can publish/share anything very easily. Who are they interacting with? Consider - number of followers, who the followers are, number of friends, retweets, groups they are part of.

Who shared the information? How do they conduct themselves? The loudest, most aggressive or dominating voice, is not necessarily the right one. You cannot always trust something if it has been shared by someone you trust/a friend. You don’t know why they have shared it. You need to apply your own critical thinking.

What did they share? What is the intention? What is the content trying to do? How does it make you feel? (Glorifying violence, incite hatred. This could make people feel excited, scared etc) Is the content truthful? Was that cat really playing the piano? Is the content biased? Is it attacking a certain group?

What did they share? How has the information been shared? Consider – hashtags, groups. How has the content been received? Consider - likes, retweets, comments. Although they may be good indicators, you cannot rely on the number of likes. Be aware of Advertising, including advergames.

Or you can call or chat online to Childline Tell a trusted adult Report any hate crimes to True Vision Report to service provider Don’t reply/ promote Block them

Session 3 – Thinking critically about the media’s role in the information we are seeing and the different viewpoints that could influence us

Session 3

The internet is a great place to share your thoughts, opinions and viewpoints. But…

Do you remember this story? What happens? Lets take a modern look at it…

#Gotwhatheydeserved #stupidpigs #killthewolf

Or you can call or chat online to Childline Tell a trusted adult Report any hate crimes to True Vision Report to service provider Don’t reply/ promote Block them

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