4. Critical Thinking
Overview
Critical thinking means using your brain like a detective. It helps you ask smart questions, spot facts from opinions, and make good choices when you're online. Instead of believing everything you see or hear, you pause and ask things like, “Who made this?” “Is it true?” or “What’s the full story?” It's about being curious, careful, and not letting your feelings or others’ opinions trick you into quick decisions.
Every day in the digital world you see posts, ads, videos, and comments. Some true, some not. Critical thinking helps you figure out what’s real, what’s fair, and what’s safe. It helps you stay sharp, protect your privacy, and be kind and thoughtful online. It’s like having a superpower in your brain that helps you stay smart, safe, and one step ahead!
Eden’s Quick Tips
Ask Questions
Who made this? Why? Is it true? Is it trying to trick me?
Pause Before You Post
Is it kind, true, and helpful?
Double-Check
Look at more than one source before believing or sharing.
Watch Your Feelings
If it makes you feel strong emotions, think twice. It might be trying to trick you.
Spot the Tricks
Look out for clickbait, edited photos, and fake ads.
Stay Curious
Real thinkers ask questions and keep learning.
4.1 Fake news
Fake news is also known as 'misinformation' and 'disinformation'. Misinformation is false information spread by people who think it's true. Disinformation is false information spread by people who know it's false.
This information is often intentionally fabricated and presented as real news, with the purpose of misleading or manipulating people. It can be found on social media, websites, and even in some traditional media outlets. Think of it as a lie disguised as truth, designed to get you to believe something that isn't actually true.
Money
Fake news with shocking headlines gets lots of clicks. More clicks equals more ad money.
Power
Some groups spread fake news to make you believe a certain opinion or to influence elections or big decisions.
Chaos
Sometimes people just want to cause confusion, panic, or drama.
Why do people create it?
How to spot fake news
Check the source
Is the news from a trusted website or person? Be careful with sites or social media accounts you don’t know.
Look for proof
Does the story have facts, quotes, or links to real evidence? If it’s just an opinion or lots of shouting, be suspicious.
Check the date
Sometimes old news is shared like it’s new. Make sure the story is current.
See who else is reporting it
If only one place says it, it might not be true. Real news is usually reported by many trusted sources.
Ask yourself
Does it sound too crazy or unbelievable? Fake news often uses extreme words to make you feel scared or angry.
Stop and Think
Is it trying to make you angry, shocked, or scared? Fake news loves drama. Stay calm and question it. Ask an adult for help if you’re unsure.Check The Source
Is it from a trusted website? Real news shows the author, date, and where the facts come from.Look It Up
Search the story on other trusted sites (like BBC). If no one else is reporting it, be suspicious.Check The Pics
Images can lie! Use a reverse image search to see if the photo is real or old.
Paddy’s Tips To Outsmart It
4.2 Evaluating information, critical questioning
Online, we have access to tons of information. Some is true, some is not. Evaluating information means checking carefully if what you see or read is real and trustworthy before believing it, or sharing it with others. Critical questioning means asking tough questions about what you find online, instead of just accepting it as true.
These are both super important so you don’t get tricked by fake news (misinformation and disinformation) or rumours. Making smart and informed decisions also helps to keep you safe from scams or lies.
Check Who Posted It
Is it from a real website, news source, or someone you trust?
Be careful if you don’t know who it’s from!
Look for Proof
Does it show facts, pictures, or links that prove the info?
Real info usually has evidence.
See If Others Say the Same
Can you find the same info on other trusted websites?
If it’s only from one place, it might be wrong.
Think About Why It’s There
Is it meant to inform you, entertain, or maybe sell something?
Be careful if it tries to make you scared or angry.
Before you trust or share something, ask:
Who made it? Are they trying to sell something or trick me?
Is it real? Does it make sense?
When was it made? How does it make me feel?
How to Evaluate + Question
4.3 Online interactions
You should always use critical thinking when talking to, and interacting with, people on the internet and social media. When you’re online - whether it’s chatting, gaming, or posting on social media, you can meet lots of people. Not everyone is who they say they are, and not everything they say is true. Using critical thinking helps you stay safe and make good choices when you interact with them.
Always think and question
Always think carefully before you trust, respond, or share something with others online. Ask questions like:
Who am I really talking to?
Why are they saying this?
Is this safe to share?
Is this message kind and respectful?
How might this affect me or others?
Am I feeling angry or upset right now?
Could this be a trick, joke, or scam?
Remember
Not Everyone Online is Who They Say They Are!
People can pretend to be younger, friendlier, or more trustworthy than they really are. Stay cautious, especially if someone you’ve never met wants to chat privately or move to another app.
Check Who You’re Talking To
Is this a friend you know in real life?
Could this person be pretending to be someone else? Known as ‘catfishing’ - see section 1.3.
Never share personal info like your address, school, or phone number.
Think Before You Share
Would I be okay if my family or teachers saw this?
Could what I say or share hurt someone’s feelings?
Is this something I want to be online forever?
Be Careful With Requests
If someone asks for private photos, passwords, or money, it’s a massive red flag - tell a parent or guardian straight away.
Don’t give in to pressure or threats.
Watch for Tricks or Scams
Does the person seem too good to be true?
Are they asking strange questions or trying to get you to do things you don’t want to?
How To Use Critical Thinking
4.4 Algorithms & your attention
An algorithm is like a smart robot inside apps and websites that decides what you see. It monitors what you like, click on, and watch. It builds a "profile" of you, then show you more of what it thinks you'll love in order to keep you watching, scrolling, or playing for as long as possible. Because algorithms want to keep you hooked, certain platforms - such as social media and gaming, can sometimes mess with your attention span and ability to focus.
Tech companies
Most apps, games, and social media platforms are free to use, but tech companies still make millions. How? Your attention.
The more time you spend on an app, the more ads you see, and the more money the company makes.
Your attention = their profit!
Notice what’s being shown to you
- Ask yourself: Is this what I really want to see?
- Remember, it’s chosen by a computer trying to keep you watching or clicking.
Think about how it makes you feel
- Does it make you want to keep scrolling even when you’re bored or tired?
- Does it make you feel worried, angry, or sad?
Take control of what you watch or read
- Choose to follow or watch things that help you learn or feel good.
- Don’t be afraid to stop watching or scroll past things that don’t help you.
Think critically
Because algorithms try to keep you online, screens can affect your focus and attention:
Instant fun - short videos and quick rewards train your brain to expect constant excitement. This can make longer tasks (homework!) feel boring.
Dopamine rush - likes and wins release "feel-good" chemicals (dopamine), making you want more. This makes it hard to stop and keeps you scrolling.
Constant distractions - notifications break your focus. It takes your brain time to get back on track after each one.
Hyperfocus - getting too absorbed in a game can make you lose track of time and ignore important things.
Screens and your brain!
4.5 Bias, echo chambers, filter bubbles
Bias occurs when someone shows favouritism or prejudice towards a particular opinion, instead of being fair and balanced. It’s often used to drive people towards certain viewpoints or actions and can appeal to the reader’s emotions rather than encouraging them to think critically.
Bias occurs in AI because it learns from the information humans give it. If that information is unfair, the AI will learn and show biased content. It might favour certain ideas or even types of people.
Bias
Inside your filter bubble, you might only connect with people who think just like you. An "echo chamber" is where your own opinions and the opinions of those who agree with you are constantly "echoed" back. You rarely hear different viewpoints.
These chambers can stop you from understanding the diverse world around you. If you only hear one side, your beliefs can get stronger, even if they're wrong. It makes it hard to understand people with different ideas and opinions and can cause more arguments online.
Echo Chambers
Ever noticed that your feed looks completely different to your friends? Personalised feeds are filter bubbles.
Social media algorithms learn your interests and preferences. They then filter out content they think you won't like or engage with, even if it's important or shows a different point of view.
It means you only see a very specific, "filtered" view of the world. You might miss out on different ideas, news, or perspectives because the algorithm decided you wouldn't be interested. It's like only ever eating your favourite food and never trying anything new!
Filter Bubbles
• Follow Different People
• Question What You See
• Search Broadly
• Talk to Different People Offline
• Be Aware of Algorithms
Ikhlas’s Quick Tips
4.6 Deepfakes
A deepfake is a fake photo, video or audio that looks and sounds exactly like a real person, but they never actually said or did those things. It's made using clever Artificial Intelligence (AI) that swaps faces, makes people say new words, or clones voices. They can be very dangerous because they can spread lies, be used for bullying or scams, and damage reputations.
Since deepfakes are so realistic, you can't always trust your eyes and ears. Use critical thinking as your superpower:
Question everything: Don't just believe it instantly.
Look for clues: Spot signs it might not be real.
Check sources: Find out who made it and if they're trustworthy.
Always think and question
Tamara’s Top Tip
If something feels too shocking, too good to be true, or just "off," then it probably is!
Stop, think, and check before you believe or share.
Be Careful What You Share:
The more high-quality photos and videos of yourself (especially clear face shots) that are public online, the easier it is for someone to use them to create a deepfake of you.
Don't Share It:
If you're not sure if something is real, DO NOT share it. Spreading fake content, even by accident, can cause real harm.Use Filters or Low Res:
Consider using filters or stickers that slightly obscure your face if you post publicly. think twice about posted high res photos of your face.Report Harmful Content:
If you see a deepfake that is mean, abusive, or spreading lies, use the platform's "report" button. This helps get it removed and protects others.Talk to a Trusted Adult:
If you see something that looks like a deepfake, or something that makes you feel worried, or confused, always tell a trusted adult. They can help you figure out if it's real and what to do next.
Stay safe from deepfakes