As Federal parties craft the scope of a possible inquiry into foreign interference, a media-literacy group says governments and schools need to do a better job of showing people how to avoid manipulation by hostile states.

 

“MediaSmarts” advises Canadians on how to use fact-checking sites and encourages reflection on the motives behind accounts that post emotionally evocative content on social media.

The group’s education director, Matthew Johnson, says Canadians of all ages are vulnerable to disinformation, but says they can limit the influence of rogue states by developing good habits.

Johnson also points to Finland and Sweden, countries that prioritize teaching children how to assess news reporting and recognize bad-faith arguments.