Jan. 01 0001
UNESCO describes digital skills as the abilities needed to “use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information.” Most teenagers and young adults in Canada have grown up with access to computers and mobile phones, which means they are adept and accessing information. However, that does not make them immune to information meant to mislead and manipulate. Youth need to be equipped with ways to fact check and verify sources.
For Media Literacy Week (October 27-31, 2025), we spoke with a teenage fact-checker from MediaSmarts, Canada’s bilingual centre for digital literacy. She shared some important information about why digital literacy matters to young people and tips to help them sort fact from opinion, beneficial information from that intended to manipulate. For resources and more information about digital literacy, please visit the MediaSmarts website and this Q and A with expert Marc-Alexandre Ladouceur.
In today’s day and age, young people need to understand that not everything they see online, or even in the news, is true or trustworthy. With the rise of misinformation, AI deepfakes, and stories twisted to fit a certain narrative, it’s more important than ever to think critically about the content we consume. Just because something goes viral or is repeated often doesn’t make it accurate.
Social media often shows only the highlights of people’s lives, leaving out the struggles and imperfections that make us human. Even on my own social media, instead of posting about my personal life, I tell my story to my friends, family and classmates through the music I listen to. Photos can be filtered, videos can be edited and even “facts” can be manipulated to an agenda, but the story behind music can never be changed.
To check if a source is legitimate and the information is true, young people should ask a few key questions: Where is this information coming from? Is it from a well-known, credible organization or a random account? Does the article or post list its sources, and are those sources trustworthy? Cross-check the information with other reliable outlets; if only one source is reporting it, that’s a red flag. Be wary of emotional or sensational language meant to stir outrage or fear, and always look at the date; Old news can be recirculated out of context. Tools like fact-checking websites (e.g., Snopes, MediaSmarts, PolitiFact) and reverse image searches can also help verify content.
At the same time, you have control over what you take in. Surround yourself with voices that uplift, educate and challenge you in healthy ways. In a digital world full of noise, learning to question, reflect, and choose wisely are some of the most powerful skills you can have.
Yes, there are several tips young people can use to distinguish fact from opinion. First, facts are statements that can be proven true or false using evidence. For example, saying “The Earth orbits the Sun once every 365.25 days” is a fact because it can be scientifically verified. In contrast, opinions express personal feelings, beliefs, or judgments and cannot be proven. Phrases like “I think,” “I believe,” or words like “best,” “worst,” or “amazing” often signal opinion-based statements, such as “Summer is the best season.” Another helpful way to tell the difference is to ask whether the statement is based on evidence or emotion. Facts are grounded in data and observation, while opinions often try to persuade or reflect someone’s perspective.
It’s also important to consider the purpose of what you’re reading. Is it trying to inform, persuade, or entertain? News articles typically aim to inform with facts, while editorials or commentaries are meant to express opinions. Finally, be aware of bias. Even content that appears factual can be framed to push a certain viewpoint. Ask yourself whether the source is showing multiple sides or just one perspective. By questioning what you read and thinking critically, you can better understand whether you’re looking at a fact or an opinion and make smarter decisions about what to believe and share.
Young people should become strong readers and writers because these skills are fundamental to understanding and expressing ideas clearly in every part of life. Being a strong reader helps you make sense of information, whether it’s in school, online, or in everyday situations, so you can separate fact from misinformation and learn new things effectively.
Strong writing skills allow you to communicate your thoughts, feelings and opinions in a way others can understand, whether you’re sending a message, writing an essay or sharing creativity. Together, reading and writing build critical thinking, boost confidence and open doors to opportunities in education, work and relationships. In a world full of information coming at us from every direction, being able to read carefully and write clearly is a powerful way to take control of your voice and your future.
AI can be a helpful tool, but it shouldn’t replace strong reading and writing skills, especially for young people. While AI can provide quick answers, summaries and even write things for you, it doesn’t teach you how to think deeply, understand complex ideas or form your own opinions. If you rely on AI for everything, you miss out on learning how to read between the lines, question what you're told and express yourself in a meaningful way.
Being a strong reader helps you decide whether the information AI (or anything else) gives you is accurate, biased or even safe to trust. And writing helps you develop your own voice, something no AI can do for you. AI might support your learning, but real understanding and communication come from your own brain, not a machine. In a world where technology is everywhere, being a strong reader and writer isn’t less important, it’s more important than ever.
Youth in Canada can play an important role in supporting older people who struggle with reading or understanding what they see online, especially as the digital world becomes more complex. There’s a lot that young people can do to bridge the gap in digital literacy. For example, many older adults didn’t grow up with the internet, so they might not easily recognize misinformation, deepfakes, or content designed to push a specific narrative. Young people, who are often more familiar with how online platforms and media work, can step in to help.
Even in my own life, I’ve seen this firsthand; my mom sometimes sends me posts or videos on social media that she doesn’t realize are deepfakes or have been edited to mislead. But now, through my co-op with MediaSmarts, I’ve been teaching her how to check the credibility of sources, recognize signs of misinformation and question what she sees online. As a result, she now takes the time to verify posts before forwarding them.
This kind of support, whether it’s helping an older family member navigate the internet, explaining the difference between facts and opinions or showing them how to fact-check a claim can go a long way. Youth can also encourage patience and build confidence in the older generation by making these learning moments respectful and non-judgmental. By sharing their digital knowledge, young people aren’t just helping someone use technology; they’re also strengthening community connections, promoting media literacy and helping build a safer, more informed society for everyone.
About Autumn, MediaSmarts Teen Fact-Checker
Autumn is a 17-year-old high school student from Ottawa who was a teen fact-checker as part of MediaSmarts' Teen Fact-Checking Network project. She enjoys reading, crocheting, playing music, and is passionate about the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.
