Many things you come across online aren’t checked for accuracy.
This is especially true on social media. For kids, it can be even harder to tell if something is an advertisement or not. Many companies hire influencers (social media celebrities) to promote their product. The posts these influencers make are required to be labelled as ads, but often are not. Improve children’s digital filters by looking at social media together – practice being able to tell the difference between regular and sponsored posts.
Other Ways to Improve Your Digital Filter
These best practices are important for both adults and children – absorbing media without a filter can lead to issues with body image, self esteem, spending, and bias.
- Discuss the stereotypes and types of bodies that are featured in media. It is often unrealistic and unhealthy for people to look like the people you see online – advertisers use unachievable standards to sell products.
- Make researched purchasing decisions instead of relying on advertisements as the only source of information. Take time to think purchases over, read reviews and compare prices.
- Try to spot biased media – many online publications look like news organizations but have a political bias. Compare multiple sources to better understand a topic or event.
