To make sense of the information streaming to and at us through media and social media, we need to be able to detect and identify misinformation, misleading information, and disinformation. This talk shares key tools and practices that can help us navigate what may seem like a minefield of misinformation, so we can better sift valuable information from what could be harmful.

Chris Coward studies information at the University of Washington Information School. As director of the UW Technology & Social Change Group and co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, Chris Coward focuses on issues of access, digital inclusion, digital literacy, civic engagement, and most recently, misinformation. Fake news, disinformation, misinformation, hype, rumor, and distortion can create minefields and labyrinths. He shares clues on how to strengthen constructive interactions and free yourself from the escape room of popular misinformation.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx