KARACHI:
Given the increase in misinformation and fabrication of news, it is increasingly necessary to scrutinise and examine the different information that is circulating. We must question the sources and employ reasoning to understand different forms of information. Unfortunately, in our society, particularly at educational institutes, students are discouraged from questioning or analysing concepts.
Most institutes encourage rote learning and students are given few opportunities to explore and express their own ideas. This not only curbs their imagination but makes them more susceptible to accepting ideas without challenging them. Even the coursebooks and study materials used in institutes do not promote critical thinking and analytical skills. They are outdated and compel students to follow the same old traditional norms and values. Therefore, we should not be surprised at people’s ability to accept and propagate false information.
The majority of people are not sceptical of information and are easily misled by propaganda. But, our educational institutes need to change this culture of unconsciousness and encourage students to become more critical and analytical of their surroundings. Students should be allowed to explore their ideas and innovate. This will ultimately compel them to question the information they see online and reduce their vulnerability to fake information. In today’s age of technology and digitalisation, digital literacy should be included in school curriculums to enhance students’ knowledge about the digital world and inform them of digital ethics.
Marium Noor
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2023.
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