Many digital literacy and internet safety advocates, including us, are committed to grounding our advocacy in rigorous, evidence-based research. This approach ensures that the information shared with our audiences is current, accurate, reliable, and beneficial. However, we are increasingly concerned about the proliferation of fear-based messaging flooding the media, much of which lacks credible factual support and is anecdotal or opinion-based at best, often causing more harm than good. It’s a challenging time for those of us who present on the topics of digital literacy and internet safety, given some of the extreme moral panic messaging presently being pushed publicly.
A notable example of this troubling trend is a recent publicly posted video by a prominent internet safety advocate with a large parent following on social media. This individual publicly claimed that, over the past year, hundreds, if not thousands, of children have died due to the harms caused by social media – WTH! Such alarming statements, when not supported by solid evidence, can spread panic and misinformation. This statement was made in the context of supporting the recent United States Surgeon General’s announcement, which called for Congress to pass legislation requiring social media platforms to post health warnings on their products and platforms.
When we publicly questioned the author of this posting, asking for evidence to support this dramatic claim, they failed to provide any research or data. Despite being active on the discussion thread, they chose not to respond to requests for substantiation. This silence speaks volumes about the absence of research to credibly support their claim. Note – we researched this claim ourselves and couldn’t find any credible research to support such a statement.
Fear-based messaging in digital literacy and internet safety, especially when not supported by good research, is not just a matter of poor practice; it can have real-world consequences. Sensationalist and unfounded claims about online safety can cause unnecessary panic among parents and guardians, who are already concerned and hypervigilant about their children’s online activities. This heightened anxiety can lead to rash and counterproductive decisions.
Additionally, such claims can distract from the real issues surrounding digital literacy and internet safety, overshadowing genuine risks and challenges that need attention now. When people realize that these claims are unsubstantiated, it can erode their trust in all digital literacy education, including well-researched and evidence-based guidance. This erosion of trust undermines efforts to promote a safe and informed online environment.
To counteract this trend, we must continue to demand proof from those who spread unsubstantiated messages. Evidence-based digital literacy and internet safety advocates should prioritize facts over fear. Information shared should stem from thorough and credible evidence-based studies, such as those from reputable institutions and peer-reviewed journals. This foundational research ensures the accuracy and reliability of educational content.
Secondly, educators must encourage critical thinking, empowering individuals to scrutinize and evaluate the validity of the information they encounter online. It amazed us that no one else in the thread asked the author for the research to support their wild and unfounded statement. The statement might have been true, but provide the citations to support the claim so its validity can be examined.
However, we also find that some who make outlandish fear-based statements will strategically shift the burden of proof and challenge those who are pushing back to prove that it is false. Such a strategy occurs when the responsibility to provide evidence is placed on the wrong party, typically requiring those who push back to disprove a claim rather than the claimant providing the evidence to support it – a classic debating strategy.
Transparency is essential when making claims; providing sources, citations, and evidence builds trust and credibility. Lastly, collaboration with experts – including researchers, psychologists, and other specialists – can help ensure that the information shared is comprehensive and precise. By adhering to these principles, digital literacy and internet safety educators can foster a more informed and discerning public.
The field of digital literacy and internet safety is too important to be influenced by fear and unfounded claims. Advocates must focus on educating the public with facts and well-researched information, particularly in light of current events that are stirring a moral panic regarding digital literacy, internet safety, and children’s mental health. By prioritizing accurate information, we promote a healthier and safer online environment while also establishing a foundation of trust and credibility that benefits everyone. The challenge, however, is that fear-based messaging captures attention, pushes a narrative, and sells products!
Unfortunately, all forms of media have turned into a battleground where outlandish statements shape and promote narratives that can further a cause or market a product, particularly when it comes to digital literacy, internet safety, and our children. It’s crucial for all evidence-based advocates to keep pushing back against these exaggerated and often false narratives – keep fighting the good fight.
Let’s enlighten, not frighten, with facts and not fear!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter