Does the media create more harm than good?
I can explain if the media helps or harms public opinion and can describe ways to evaluate the effects of the media.
Does the media create more harm than good?
I can explain if the media helps or harms public opinion and can describe ways to evaluate the effects of the media.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The media can both positively and negatively influence public opinion, depending on how it is used.
- Tools like the EVALUATE acronym help us critically assess arguments for and against various perspectives.
- Carefully reviewing evidence and reasoning on both sides of an issue is essential for forming well-rounded opinions.
- Media plays a vital informing role, but evaluating sources is crucial to identifying and avoiding disinformation.
- Ensuring the media we consume is reliable and accurate helps maximise its benefits while minimising potential harm.
Keywords
Media - forms of communication like radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the internet, that reach or influence people
Evaluate - to judge or determine the significance, worth or quality of someone or something
Common misconception
The media always helps the public learn information.
Sometimes we are given misinformation, disinformation or malinformation. It is important to learn to spot this and realise that some of the media we are presented with is not always designed to help the public learn the true facts.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
many media outlets have teams to verify things before publishing
outlets might favour specific political or social viewpoints
trustworthy media will issue corrections when they are wrong
pressure to publish quickly can lead to spreading false stories
Exit quiz
6 Questions
to identify disinformation, misinformation and malinformation.
in informing and educating the public about important issues.
much the media helps and minimise how much it harms.