There are four ways that we can commonly receive information about events which we may call news:

● TV

● Radio

● The internet

● Newspapers

Which one do you use the most for finding out information? Most of you probably use the Internet. 

Which one of these four do you think is the most reliable and accurate? Chances are you wouldn't place the Internet top of the list!

The internet scores low for accuracy and reliability, because: -

● What sort of things do you see on the internet that are not reliable or accurate?

●  What do you do if you do see information that you think might not be accurate or reliable?

When we look at these two aspects of information we might find that the source we use the most is actually the one that we trust the least. So…

● Should we stop using the internet for information?

● Do we need to create a new way to get information?

Another important question is, why do we go online for information if we know that it is not always reliable?

1. There is lots of it – You can find out almost anything online, from the latest news to the cost of the jacket you want to the latest football scores. It is all out there for us.
2. Speed and convenience – All this information is available to us in seconds. No walking to the library or waiting for the news to be on the TV or radio.
3. Choice – You could read up on a topic on lots of different sites or you might prefer to watch videos on YouTube. You might find an influencer you really like or someone campaigning on an issue that is really important to you. The range of ways and people you can go to for this information is unbelievable.
4. We are all part of this – No need for a reporter to write up a second-hand account, people will pick up their phones and show the world what is happening now. We are all a part of this new age of information sharing, and the online space is one where we can all be heard.
5. Equality – Whilst not everyone in the world has the same access to the internet that many of us enjoy, this information is open to more people now, and usually for free. However, in some countries, established news sites are often paid for services. This can lead to some people thinking that free news is more likely to be fake news.

It’s important that we remember the great aspects of getting our information online. However, there is one big area that we need to look at and that is the news.

Research found that only 35% of 12-15 year olds in the UK think that social media provides trustworthy news all or most of the time . You have probably seen and heard people talking about fake news. This has led to some people thinking that the news we see online cannot be trusted.

Remember, the news that we get online is very important. Good quality news and information helps us to make informed decisions and educates us about the world we live in.

Good quality news is out there, you just need to find it.

If we allow ourselves to stop trusting any news online, how will we know what is going on in the world? How would you know about a pandemic? How would you know about important social issues, like the Black Lives Matter movement or climate change marches?