By Achiraya Kurth, Vice Chair

Staying Informed & Managing Election Information

As the 2024 election season approaches, staying informed while avoiding misinformation and stress is crucial for students. To help navigate this period, Moody Magazine spoke with Zelly Martin, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Journalism and Media and senior research fellow at the Propaganda Research Lab at the Center for Media Engagement. Here are her insights and tips for students:

Challenges in staying informed: Students face multiple challenges, including the spread of misinformation, an overwhelming amount of information and the rapid advancement of technology outpacing accurate communication. For example, generative AI models are constantly evolving and can sometimes disseminate inaccurate information.

Reliable sources: Utilize resources like the Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart to assess the reliability of news outlets. National Public Radio (NPR) is a dependable source; listening to local stations like KUT can help. Ensure the news sources you rely on are well-established and be wary of imitations meant to spread disinformation.

Navigating social media: Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, are popular among young voters. Follow trusted news sources on these platforms. If a post evokes strong emotions, verify its authenticity by cross-referencing it with other reliable sources before sharing.

Identifying misinformation: Be cautious of content that triggers strong emotions like anger or joy. Fact-check such information using reliable news sources or fact-checking organizations. Non-English content can be especially prone to misinformation due to less sophisticated content moderation.

Engaging in discussions: When discussing politics, express humility and openness. Understand that everyone’s political opinions are shaped by their unique experiences. Aim to learn about others' perspectives rather than trying to change their minds, and share your views respectfully.

Election Season Checklist 

Verify your sources: Check the bias of your news sources.

Data privacy: Be mindful of who collects your data and how it might be used.

Emotional content: Verify information that elicits strong emotions before sharing.

Respectful discussions: Remember that everyone’s views are shaped by their experiences; use respectful and humble language in political discussions.

Engage kindly: When correcting misinformation, approach conversations with kindness.

Take breaks: Step away from social media and news consumption if feeling overwhelmed.

Follow trusted sources: On social media, follow reputable news organizations.

Be wary of unknown sources: Fact-check information from unfamiliar sources.

Caution with AI: Generative AI chatbots may not always provide reliable information.

Voting information: Rely on trusted sources for details on when and where to vote, and share this information with others.

Additional advice: Take breaks from technology and social media, spend time with friends and family, and utilize available mental health resources if needed. Remember to take care of yourself and support others during this highly emotional election season.