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Students learn to spot misinformation online with 'Checkology'

Posted at 12:13 PM, Jan 27, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-27 15:13:52-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Research shows the majority of high school students struggle to spot false information online.

Students at Challenger Middle School in Mira Mesa are learning how to separate fact from fiction with a course called, "Checkology." The online lessons teach kids about the five types of misinformation.

"We are kids and some of us don’t realize that the information we’re receiving online can be harmful to us," says Tu Nguyen a 7th grader at Challenger Middle School.

One video of a group of bikers is what’s called “false context.” Someone posted it claiming it was a recent protest.

"Images can be manipulated to where that image can be six or seven years old and it’s thrown with a statement that’s current. So that’s another thing I’d check for," said Challenger Middle School teacher Andra Morrow.

Checkology has lessons on everything from spotting deepfakes to debunking conspiracy theories, and it’s available to everyone for free.