Unmasking the fake news

Abstract

This Open Educational Resource (OER) provides a clear and accessible introduction to the phenomenon of disinformation, aiming to foster critical thinking and information literacy skills among students and the general public. The material defines disinformation, highlighting its main characteristics, its intentional nature, and its objectives—particularly the manipulation of public opinion—as well as its broader social consequences, such as the erosion of trust in institutions and information sources.

The OER also identifies two major channels through which disinformation is disseminated: text and images, emphasising the importance of critically analysing both formats. In addition, it offers a set of practical recommendations to prevent the spread of false or misleading content, including verifying sources, cross-checking information, identifying biases and fallacies, and consulting experts.

Finally, the resource incorporates key values for responsible digital citizenship, such as honesty, accountability, intellectual humility, and empathy. This material is particularly suitable for educational contexts within Library and Information Science, as well as for broader media and digital literacy initiatives.