Addressing Misinformation with Media Literacy through Cultural Institutions
Misinformation can harm democratic processes, social cohesion and public health outcomes. While a range of approaches are needed to address misinformation, media literacy has been recognised as one critical approach that is essential to any comprehensive national strategy. Media literacy prepares citizens for misinformation by developing critical analysis abilities. This project partners with four Australian public cultural institutions to increase adult media literacy: ABC Education, The Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD), the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Through an action-based, mixed methods approach, the project investigates adults’ experiences with online misinformation and assesses their ability to identify and challenge it. Research findings will inform the design and evaluation of targeted evidence-based media literacy training and resources that will be shared across broadcast media, physical spaces and online. Through these initiatives, Australians will be better equipped to combat misinformation. Funding has been provided by the Australian Research Council Linkage Program.
Researchers:
- Associate Professor Tanya Notley, Western Sydney University
- Professor Michael Dezuanni, Queensland University of Technology
- Professor Sora Park, University of Canberra
- Dr T.J. Thomson, RMIT University
- Associate Professor Heather Ford, University of Technology Sydney
Funding:
Australian Research Council Linkage Program
Period: 2023-2026
Project Flyer (opens in a new window)
Contact: Tanya Notley
