Fake news and social media : a comparison study of fake news and social media between the United States and the Union of the Republic of Myanmar

Abstract

In the era of social media and the digital environment, we can easily access news and information. On the contrary, it is challenging to assess news and information. This capstone project aims to raise the awareness of fake news in social media and promote news literacy. Promoting media literacy education becomes the best alternative to counter fake news, which is misinformation that spreads throughout the digital media environment. Media literacy can also enhance critical thinking skills and application in their news consumption. A training design to address media literacy focuses on fake news on social media was developed. The training was planned and developed through a literature review of news credibility and case studies of fake news on social media. The content of the training was designed to meet the needs of the United States and Myanmar. Two training sessions including one pilot presentation were implemented at the University of Southern Indiana. The effectiveness of the training was evaluated through a pretest and post-test.