Highline’s library hosts the “Misinformation 101” event in hopes of getting students to find reliable sources by looking at misinformation and disinformation. 

“Misinformation is any false or misleading information that has been shared or spread unintentionally. Disinformation is any false or misleading information that has been created and shared or spread intentionally to achieve a goal,” Reference Librarian Ian Porter said.

MisinfoDay will be held this Friday, March 17 at 1 p.m. in Building 25, the library, in room 206A. 

“Everyone is welcome to attend this event. It is aimed towards students, but all members of the Highline community are welcome,” Reference Librarians Allison Reibel and Ian Porter said. 

Participants will be looking at many examples of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, Librarians Reibel and Porter said. 

“We’ll look at seven types of mis and disinformation that you’re likely to see on social media,” both librarians said. “TikTok and viral misinformation will focus on TikTok videos and finding markers of credibility that allow you determine whether you should trust a video.”

The event will also dive deep into catching red flags beforehand and how we can take the information learned and apply it to the real world, Librarians Reibel and Porter said.

“Participants will learn about different types of mis and disinformation, have some hands-on practice spotting false information, and the chance to discuss what mis and disinformation can look like in our lives and communities,” both librarians said.

Finding reliable information on the internet can be tricky, and this event is solely for narrowing down reliable sources and non-reliable ones, they said. 

“Misinformation is a serious problem, eroding trust in our institutions and communities,” both librarians said. “The purpose of this event is to learn to recognize false information when you see it and to discuss examples of what misinformation can look like.”

Highline’s library wants to help students get the information they need, and you may reach out to them for help or questions. 

“If you come across information you are unsure about, the Highline librarians are always ready to help you evaluate it. We have resources to help evaluate online news and information and are always happy to provide one-on-one help as well,” Reibel and Porter said.