The Difference Between Fact and Opinion | How2Internet

Summary

In this episode of 'How to Internet,' MediaWise and PBS Student Reporting Labs guide viewers through the critical skill of distinguishing between fact and opinion in news and media. The video explains the difference between objective and subjective news, offers tips for recognizing reliable sources, and highlights the importance of being aware of bias, satire, and sponsored content on social media. With a focus on critical thinking, it empowers viewers to become more discerning digital citizens and make informed decisions while navigating the vast online world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The internet is vast but can be navigated safely with the right preparation and skills.
• 😀 Media literacy is essential for becoming a good digital citizen and understanding the difference between fact and opinion.
• 😀 A fact is something that can be proven true or false, while an opinion is a personal belief that cannot be proven.
• 😀 Example: 'Drinking milk is the best way to lose weight' is an opinion, not a fact, because it is subjective.
• 😀 Objective news provides verified facts without bias, answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a story.
• 😀 Subjective news or commentary includes personal opinions and is meant to persuade or share a viewpoint.
• 😀 Legitimate news outlets separate journalists from opinion columnists to maintain objectivity.
• 😀 TV news can blur the lines between objective reporting and opinion, often switching without clear labels.
• 😀 Social media platforms can host both factual content and biased, opinion-driven posts, so it's important to evaluate sources carefully.
• 😀 'Pink slime' sites are unreliable, often funded with a hidden agenda, and lack transparency about their mission and authors.
• 😀 Satirical content, meant to entertain or make a point, can be mistaken for real news, so always check for disclaimers to avoid confusion.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the 'How to Internet' series?

The series aims to help viewers become better digital citizens by teaching them essential skills for navigating the internet, such as distinguishing between facts and opinions.

Why is it important to differentiate between facts and opinions on the internet?

Differentiating between facts and opinions helps prevent misinformation and allows individuals to make informed decisions based on reliable sources.

How can we identify whether a statement is fact or opinion?

A fact is verifiable and supported by evidence, while an opinion is a personal belief or perspective that cannot be proven true or false.

What was the outcome of the 2018 study about American 15-year-olds distinguishing facts from opinions?

The study revealed that fewer than 14% of American 15-year-olds were able to correctly distinguish between fact and opinion.

What does the statement 'Drinking milk is the best way to lose weight' represent?

The statement is an opinion because it reflects a belief or perspective, not a universally verifiable truth.

What is objective news, and how can it be identified?

Objective news presents factual, unbiased information without opinions. It can be identified by answering the five W's of news: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and the impact of the story.

What makes subjective news different from objective news?

Subjective news includes the author's personal opinions or perspective, whereas objective news sticks to verifiable facts without slant or bias.

What is the role of reputable news outlets like the Associated Press in maintaining objectivity?

Reputable news outlets focus on delivering unbiased, fact-based reporting, which helps ensure that news consumers receive accurate, objective information.

What are 'pink slime' sites, and how can they be identified?

'Pink slime' sites are low-quality news sources that often present biased or misleading content. They can be identified by checking their about page for transparency about mission, funding, and authorship.

How can social media users identify satirical content?

Satirical content is often exaggerated or humorous, aiming to make a point in a playful manner. It may not always be labeled, so viewers should be critical and look for clues like disclaimers or absurd claims.