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Year 8 English

Media & Digital Literacy

Learn to distinguish reliable sources from misinformation, understand social media persuasion, and evaluate online content using the CRAAP test.

Fake News vs Reliable Sources

Not everything you read online is true. Misinformation (false information shared by mistake) and disinformation (false information shared deliberately) spread rapidly on the internet. Being able to tell the difference between reliable and unreliable sources is an essential skill.

Signs of a Reliable Source

  • ✓ Named author with credentials
  • ✓ Published by a known organisation
  • ✓ Cites sources and evidence
  • ✓ Balanced, measured tone
  • ✓ Recent publication date

Warning Signs of Fake News

  • ✗ Sensational or shocking headline
  • ✗ No author or anonymous source
  • ✗ No evidence or references cited
  • ✗ Emotional, one-sided language
  • ✗ URL that mimics real news sites

Social Media Persuasion Techniques

Social media platforms and content creators use specific techniques to influence your behaviour, opinions, and spending. Recognising these techniques helps you stay in control.

Bandwagon Effect

"Everyone is doing it!" — makes you feel pressured to follow the crowd. Example: "1 million people have already signed up!"

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Creates urgency to act now. Example: "Limited time offer! Only 3 left in stock!" or "Don't miss this viral trend!"

Influencer Endorsement

A trusted or famous person promotes a product, transferring their credibility to the brand. Ask: Are they being paid to say this?

Emotional Manipulation

Content designed to trigger strong emotions (anger, outrage, sympathy) because emotional content gets more shares and clicks.

Algorithms & Echo Chambers

Social media shows you more of what you already engage with, creating a "bubble" where you only see one perspective.

The CRAAP Test: Evaluating Online Information

The CRAAP test is a checklist for evaluating whether a source is trustworthy. Apply it to any article, video, or website before believing or sharing it.

C

Currency

When was it published or updated? Is the information up to date? Old articles may contain outdated facts.

R

Relevance

Does the source relate to your topic? Is it aimed at the right audience (academic, general, children)?

A

Authority

Who wrote it? Are they an expert in this field? Is the publisher reputable (.gov, .edu, known news organisation)?

A

Accuracy

Is the information supported by evidence? Can you verify the claims from other sources? Are there spelling/grammar errors?

P

Purpose

Why does this source exist? Is it trying to inform, persuade, sell, or entertain? Does the author have a hidden agenda?

Ethical Use of Digital Content

Being digitally literate also means using online content responsibly and ethically.

Copyright & Plagiarism

Always credit the original creator when using someone else's words, images, or ideas. Copying without attribution is plagiarism.

Digital Footprint

Everything you post or share online leaves a permanent trace. Think before you post: would you be comfortable if your teacher or future employer saw it?

Sharing Responsibly

Verify information before sharing it. Sharing fake news — even unintentionally — contributes to the spread of misinformation.

Respecting Privacy

Do not share other people's personal information, photos, or messages without their permission.

Key Vocabulary

Misinformation

False information shared without the intent to deceive (the person believes it is true).

Disinformation

False information deliberately created and spread to deceive or manipulate people.

Echo Chamber

An environment where you only encounter opinions that match your own, reinforcing existing beliefs.

CRAAP Test

A checklist for evaluating sources: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.

Worked Examples

1

Evaluate this source: A blog post titled "Scientists CONFIRM: Chocolate Cures All Diseases!" by an anonymous author, with no date or references.

Currency: No date — FAIL

Relevance: Topic may be relevant but claim is extreme.

Authority: Anonymous author, blog (not a journal or news site) — FAIL

Accuracy: No references or evidence cited. Exaggerated claim — FAIL

Purpose: Sensational headline designed to get clicks — likely clickbait.

Verdict: This is an unreliable source. Do not trust or share.

2

Identify the persuasion technique: An influencer posts "I literally cannot live without this moisturiser! Use code GLOW20 for 20% off!"

Step 1: The influencer has a personal relationship with their audience (trust).

Step 2: They use hyperbole ("cannot live without") and provide a discount code (suggesting a paid partnership).

Technique: Influencer endorsement combined with emotional manipulation (hyperbole). The discount code confirms it is a paid advertisement.

3

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation: Your friend shares a false health tip on social media because they genuinely believe it is true. Not intended to deceive.

Disinformation: A political group creates a fake news article to make their opponents look bad, knowing the claims are false. Deliberately deceptive.

Key difference: Intent. Misinformation is an honest mistake; disinformation is a deliberate lie.

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

In the CRAAP test, what does the first "A" stand for?

Question 2

A headline reads: "SHOCKING: Government to Ban ALL Pets by 2027!" The article has no author, no sources, and was published on a site called "truth-newz.biz". This is most likely:

Question 3

What is an "echo chamber" in social media?

Question 4

Your friend shares a story claiming a celebrity has died, but it comes from an unknown website with no other sources confirming it. What should you do?

Question 5

An ad says: "Only 2 left! 847 people are viewing this right now! Buy before it's gone!" This uses which persuasion technique?

Key Concepts Summary

Year 8: Analysing Literature Year 9: Analytical Writing