Information Pollution: Determining When Information is Accurate and Meaningful

 

By Lilian H. Hill

Information pollution is the spread of misleading, irrelevant, or excessive information that disrupts people's ability to find accurate and meaningful knowledge. The United Nations defines information pollution as the “spread of false, misleading, manipulated and otherwise harmful information” and further states that it is “threatening our ability to make informed decisions, participate in democratic processes, and contribute to the building of inclusive, peaceful and just societies” (para. 1).

In an earlier blog, we described the information ecosystem, the complex network of processes, technologies, individuals, and institutions involved in creating, distributing, consuming, and regulating information. Like environmental pollution contaminates the physical world, information pollution clutters digital and cognitive spaces, making it difficult to distinguish between useful content and noise. When so much information is false and deceptive, people begin to distrust almost everything in the news.

 

Evolution of the News

The shift of news to social media accelerated changes that are already reshaping journalism. In the 1950s and 1960s, TV news was treated as a public service, and news anchors were considered authoritative. However, by the 1980s, entertainment conglomerates purchasing news stations prioritized profits, leading to the 24-hour news cycle and a focus on attention-grabbing stories. Pundits, offering opinions rather than facts, became prominent, altering the industry and public expectations of news (U.S. PIRG Education Fund, 2023). The PIRG Education Fund states that “misinformation that seems real - but isn’t - rapidly circulates through social media” (para. 1). When anyone with a camera and computer can produce content, the supply of news information becomes virtually limitless, fueling social media feeds with countless 24-hour cycles. Unlike traditional opinion sections or dedicated pundit programs, social feeds blend opinions and facts indiscriminately, where the most sensational stories tend to thrive (U.S. PIRG Education Fund, 2023).

 

Types of Information Pollution

• Misinformation: Inaccurate or false information shared unintentionally.

Example: Sharing outdated or incorrect medical advice without malicious intent.

• Disinformation: False information deliberately spread to deceive.

Example: Fake news campaigns or propaganda.

• Malinformation: Information that is based on reality but is deliberately shared with the intent to cause harm, manipulate, or deceive.

Example: Leaking private messages or emails that are factually accurate but shared publicly to harm someone's reputation or cause embarrassment intentionally.

• Irrelevant Information: Content that distracts from meaningful or necessary knowledge.

Example: Clickbait articles that prioritize attention over substance.

• Noise: Poorly organized, redundant, or low-quality data that hampers clarity.

Example: Forums with repetitive threads or unmoderated social media discussions.

 

Consequences of Information Pollution

Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, along with the rise of hate speech and propaganda, are fueling social divisions and eroding trust in public institutions. Consequences include cognitive overload, which strains mental resources, leading to stress and poor decision-making. Information pollution breeds mistrust as people struggle to verify the accuracy of available information. They may waste time and energy by trying to sift through low-quality content. Information pollution also increases susceptibility to emotional or ideological manipulation.

 

More consequences include:

• Erosion of Trust in Institutions. The spread of false or manipulated information undermines public confidence in governments, media outlets, and other institutions. Misinformation can mislead voters, distort public debates, and interfere with fair elections.
• Polarization and Social Divisions. Polarizing narratives deepen ideological divides, fueling hostility and hindering collaboration between groups. Hate speech and propaganda can push individuals toward extremist ideologies or actions.
• Public Health Crises. False claims about medical treatments or vaccines can result in public health risks, such as reduced vaccination rates or harmful self-medication practices. Inaccurate information can lead to slow or ineffective responses during pandemics or natural disasters.
• Economic Impacts. Companies may face reputational harm from false accusations or smear campaigns. Misinformation about investments or markets can lead to significant financial losses.
• Undermining Knowledge and Education. The prevalence of false information blurs the lines between credible and unreliable sources, making it harder for people to discern the truth. Exposure to misinformation, particularly among younger audiences, can disrupt educational efforts and critical thinking.
• Psychological and Emotional Toll. Exposure to alarming or false information can heighten public fear and anxiety. Persistent negativity and misinformation can make individuals feel alienated or distrustful of their communities.
• Threats to National Security. States or organizations can exploit information pollution to destabilize societies or manipulate populations for political or strategic gains. Targeted campaigns can sow confusion during emergencies, hindering coordinated responses.

Mitigating Information Pollution

Addressing these consequences requires robust efforts, including promoting media literacy, enhancing regulation of online platforms, and fostering critical thinking skills to create a more informed and resilient society. Reducing information pollution in specific contexts like education and social media requires targeted strategies that promote clarity, trust, and meaningful engagement.

Strategies for combating information pollution include:

1. Teach Media Literacy: Integrate critical thinking and fact-checking skills into educational curricula. Encourage students to evaluate sources based on credibility, bias, and evidence.
2. Simplify and Organize Content: Present information in structured, digestible formats (e.g., summaries, infographics). Avoid overloading students with redundant materials.
3. Use Curated Resources: Recommend vetted textbooks, articles, and tools. Leverage reputable platforms like Google Scholar or PubMed for research.
4. Promote Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourage students to ask questions and seek evidence-based answers. Use the Socratic method to stimulate deeper understanding and engagement.
5. Digital Hygiene Education: Teach students to manage their digital consumption (e.g., limiting screen time, avoiding multitasking). Encourage mindful engagement with technology.

 

References

United Nations Development Programme (2024, February 5). Combating the crisis of information pollution: Recognizing and preventing the spread of harmful information. Retrieved https://www.undp.org/egypt/blog/combating-crisis-information-pollution-recognizing-and-preventing-spread-harmful-information

 U.S. PIRG (Public Information Research Group) Education Fund (2023, August 14). How misinformation on social media has changed news. Retrieved https://pirg.org/edfund/articles/misinformation-on-social-media/

Artistic and Creative Literacy

Treeline by Lilian H. Hill

By Lilian H. Hill

Artistic and creative literacy refers to understanding, appreciating, and effectively engaging with various forms of artistic expression and creativity. It describes the capacity to engage with works of art personally and meaningfully, fostering a deeper connection to our own humanity and that of others. The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (2014) states that “artistic literacy is the knowledge and understanding required to participate authentically in the arts.” Artistic and creative literacy should be available to everyone instead of the talented few.

 

Skills and Competencies

Artistic and creative literacy encompasses various skills and competencies that enable individuals to interpret, create, and communicate through artistic mediums. Artistic and creative literacy means you can understand and appreciate art and create and express yourself through artistic means. It involves understanding the elements and principles of art and the historical, cultural, and social contexts under which the art was created. 

 

At its core, artistic and creative literacy involves comprehending the language of art, including its visual, auditory, and tactile elements. This includes understanding concepts such as composition, color theory, rhythm, and symbolism. It also involves being able to analyze and critique artistic works, recognizing their cultural, historical, and societal significance. Furthermore, artistic and creative literacy entails expressing oneself creatively through various mediums such as visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, and multimedia. This involves technical proficiency, imagination, originality, and innovation to generate innovative ideas and forms of expression.

 

Artistic and creative literacy is not limited to the creation and appreciation of art but extends to the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively through creative means. This includes using artistic expression to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences and working collaboratively with others to generate innovative solutions to complex problems. For example, The Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network provides teachers with downloadable handouts that specify and define the elements of drama, style, design, music, storytelling, visual style, poetry, and creative movement. There are specific lessons attached to each of these art forms.

 

Relationship Between Artistic and Creative Literacy and Information Literacy
Artistic and creative literacy and information literacy are closely related concepts that complement each other in the broader landscape of education and intellectual development. In today's rapidly changing world, artistic and creative literacy is increasingly recognized as a vital skill that fosters critical thinking, empathy, adaptability, and resilience. It empowers individuals to navigate diverse cultural landscapes, express their identities, and contribute to the enrichment of society through artistic innovation and creative expression.

 

Information literacy involves identifying, locating, evaluating, and effectively using information across various formats and platforms. It encompasses skills such as critically assessing sources, synthesizing information, and ethically using and sharing information. Information literacy is essential in today's information-rich society, enabling individuals to make informed decisions, solve problems, and participate meaningfully in civic and professional contexts.

 

The relationship between artistic and creative literacy and information literacy lies in their shared emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and creativity:

• Critical Thinking: Both artistic and creative literacy and information literacy require critical thinking skills. Individuals critically analyze artistic works, interpret their meanings, and evaluate their effectiveness in artistic and creative contexts. Similarly, in information literacy, individuals critically evaluate sources, assess their credibility and relevance, and synthesize information to generate new insights.
• Communication: Artistic and creative literacy and information literacy involve effective communication skills. Through artistic expression, individuals communicate ideas, emotions, and experiences using various mediums. Information literacy also involves effective communication, whether articulating research findings, presenting information to an audience, or engaging in collaborative discourse.
• Creativity: Creativity is central to artistic and creative and information literacy. In artistic and creative contexts, individuals harness their imagination and originality to produce innovative works of art and expression. Similarly, in information literacy, individuals apply creative thinking to solve problems, generate new ideas, and communicate information engaging and compellingly.
• Research Skills: Artistic and creative literacy and information literacy require strong research skills. In artistic and creative endeavors, individuals may research historical contexts, explore artistic techniques, or study the works of other artists. In information literacy, individuals conduct research to gather relevant information, assess its reliability, and integrate it into their creative projects or scholarly pursuits.

 

Artistic and creative literacy and information literacy are interconnected domains supporting holistic learning and intellectual growth. By cultivating proficiency in both areas, individuals can develop a well-rounded skill set that empowers them to navigate diverse challenges, express themselves creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.

 

References

Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Framework (2020). Elements of artistic literacy. Brainworks. Retrieved https://www.brainworks.mcla.edu/elementspages

 National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (2014). A conceptual framework for arts learning. Retrieved https://www.nationalartsstandards.org/sites/default/files/Conceptual%20Framework%2007-21-16.pdf