We consume more information than almost any generation before us—and much of it reaches us without us ever asking for it. A headline appears in a feed. An influencer makes a claim. A video goes viral. An algorithm recommends another version of the same idea.

But popularity is not the same thing as truth.

In this course, students strengthen the critical-thinking skills required to navigate an increasingly complicated information environment.

Students will:

• Learn how misinformation and misleading content spread online.

• Examine the difference between opinion, evidence, advertising and fact.

• Identify common credibility signals.

• Explore confirmation bias and why people are naturally drawn toward information that reinforces existing beliefs.

• Discuss influencers, sponsored content and persuasive design.

• Practice checking information using multiple sources.

• Explore why AI-generated images, videos and text make media literacy even more important.

The goal is to help students become more intentional about what they consume—not just what they create.