A 2019 study showed that people 65+ shared about 7x as many ‘fake news’ articles about the 2016 US election on Facebook. A 2020 article identified digital literacy as a possible intervention to close the ‘digital divide’ and increase the ability of older people to recognize fake news.

The news landscape has changed; this session empowers participants with the knowledge they need to quickly identify false information online, and how to break the cycle of perpetuating harmful ‘fake news.’

This session will be moderated by Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge (Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization) and feature Dr. Ahmed Al-Rawi, Assistant Professor of News, Social Media, and Public Communication at Simon Fraser University and two speakers from ABC Life Literacy Canada: Allison Nichol Longtin,Programs Manager, and Janet Mowat, Programs Specialist

This session is part of Aging your Way: Creating an Age-Inclusive Canada, Together: an educational speaker series brought to you by CanAge and Toronto Public Library. View the complete series schedule.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you have a request for accommodation. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Fake News: Identify and Ignore