Misinformation and Disinformation: How Data Literacy Suddenly Becomes Your Civic Duty

Misinformation in both traditional media and social media can be disorientating. There are many sources for our news feeds these days and knowing which ones to trust, and which to be skeptical of requires some different skills. As a result, data literacy – using numbers to communicate - is gaining a renewed interest in K-12 civics education and beyond.

Gary Kenton is working on a book on the history of misinformation and disinformation that helps explain how we arrived in our post-factual media universe.

Derek Gibson is the co-author of Data Duped: How to Avoid Being Hoodwinked by Misinformation.  He shows that an understanding of how numbers are used in many areas of our lives can help us make better decisions and avoid being manipulated.

They will share information that can help you understand the history of misinformation, how it is continuing to reinvent itself, and how you can build your own “data defense” to avoid its pitfalls.  

Data Duped is a book about how we are commonly deceived by numbers in our everyday lives. From lotteries, product warranties, and weight loss fads to misleading headlines and social media posts, there is no shortage of confusing or misleading information. Numbers are used to manipulate our decisions and impact our lives in ways that may not be immediately apparent. Data Duped will help you avoid being fooled by these messages and to develop a sense of ‘data defense’ by learning what types of questions to ask and how to maintain a healthy level of curiosity and data skepticism.

Data Duped guides readers to discern the differences between the plausible and the ridiculous along a journey of informed critical thinking and data literacy. With historical parallels alongside practical and relatable examples, readers will learn how to spot the ‘malarkey’ from the truth and how to avoid being hoodwinked by misinformation.

Gary Kenton is an Adjunct Instructor of Communications at N.C. A&T State University.  He serves on the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad.

Derek Gibson serves on the Wake Forest University MS Business Analytics advisory board and teaches as an Adjunct Professor.  He is an expert in business analytics and data-driven decision-making.