Digital literacy and misinformation: Navigating the information age

India Today

24-06-2025

We live in the era known as the 'information age,' where technology, particularly the internet, has become an inseparable part of all aspects of our lives.Information travels at lightning speed in this modern world. We are just a tap away from sharing information, yet we often can't tell whether it's real information or misinformation. In India, there are approximately 954.4 million active internet users, spanning both young and adult demographics.advertisementMisinformation isn't limited to news alone, it can also take the form of photos, videos, or memes shared online. This is exactly the reason why one needs digital literacy. It enables one to differentiate between information, misinformation, and disinformation.
Effectively using digital tools to assess content, verify sources, and make informed decisions, assessing the credibility of the information, producing and sharing responsibly in digital spaces, and maintaining digital safety are the most important aspects of digital literacy.Indiatoday spoke with Suresh Mansharamani, Founder of Tajurba Business Network to get more insights on this.THE EFFECTS OF MISINFORMATION ON SOCIETYFalse news doesn't just mislead, it can ruin lives. It has the power to shape what people think, damage someone's reputation, affect their work, and even put their safety at risk.What makes it even more dangerous is that it often comes across as new or dramatic, which grabs attention quickly.advertisementPeople are naturally drawn to such content and tend to share it without thinking twice. That's why false information travels much faster than the truth, and once it spreads, it's hard to take back.Today, there's a new kind of virus, not one that causes a fever, but one that fuels viral popularity on social media.In the race to go viral, misinformation is often deliberately spread. A common example of this is deepfakes. Such content not only erodes trust in the media but also undermines confidence in democratic processes.For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countless rumours circulated about treatments and vaccines, creating widespread confusion and fear.THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LITERACYA significant portion of internet users belong to the younger age group. Media literacy should be integrated into school curricula to help students evaluate sources of information, recognise bias, and detect manipulation.According to reports by Factly and the Internet and Mobile Association of India, individuals under the age of 20 and those over 50 are more susceptible to falling victim to fake information.This highlights the need for digital literacy not just amongst school students, but among adults as well.But focusing only on people or platforms ignores more significant systemic problems. A disorganised information ecosystem results.The demise of local journalismFinancial incentives for clickbaitA lack of regulatory frameworks.advertisementTo create a healthier digital public sphere, educators, technologists, policymakers, and civil society must work together.In the end, surviving in the information age requires developing the skills of critical thinking and introspection in addition to recognising false information.It is about realising that truth should never be sacrificed for convenience and that, in the digital age, responsible citizenship necessitates actively interacting with the information we come across.In the twenty-first century, digital literacy is essential to maintaining informed societies and powerful democracies; it is no longer optional.- Ends