We live in a world where (deep learning) artificial intelligence-generated fake images, videos, audio, events, and posters are becoming prevalent and convincing. These artefacts are known as deepfakes and are used to fabricate stories that are not real about people, thus presenting misinformation to portray people saying or doing things they never did or said in real life.  This fabricated information is then distributed as legitimate news (University of Oregon, 2024). The prevalence of fake events makes it difficult for people to discern the truth about the information they see, especially if the information is something that interests an individual; they fail to check the source of such information and tend to believe it.

Fake information and deepfakes have been more popularized on social media forums, and they are increasingly used in both entertainment and malicious contexts like online scams, propaganda, and threats to national security. People are susceptible to fake news because they often prefer information that confirms their existing beliefs (confirmation bias) and tend to believe repeated information, even if it’s false (illusory truth effect) (Anna, 2024). Moreso, I think factors associated with emotional vulnerability, impatience, limited attention spans, and social pressure tend to make it difficult for people to discern fake news. Unfortunately, much of this fake information tends to have a significant impact on how people engage publicly, especially in relation to politics, health, and climate issues. According to Lord and Vogt (2021), social media platforms tend to prioritize engagement over accuracy, often leading to the spread of misinformation. Tech companies are hesitant to take strong action against misinformation due to concerns about free speech and the potential for backlash. Moreover, the sheer volume of misinformation on various social media platforms makes it difficult to combat. A 2018 YouGov study found that many US adults initially believed online information that later turned out to be false. Articles around deepfakes and fake news can be used to sow division among vulnerable students, which can lead to young people taking radical stances on certain issues.

In light of the above discussions, media literacy and digital literacy have become essential in combating the proliferation of fake news and deepfakes, which pose significant threats to informed decision-making and societal trust. As misinformation spreads rapidly in the digital age, equipping individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information is crucial. The article titled Strengthen Media Literacy to Win the Fight Against Misinformation by Lord and Vogt (2021) advocates for expanding media literacy as a key solution to combating misinformation. The authors argue that while tech-centred fixes like content filtering and fact-checking are useful, they are insufficient on their own. Instead, a balanced approach emphasizing education on media literacy would empower individuals to discern credible sources, reduce susceptibility to misinformation, and create more resilient societies.Media literacy helps students evaluate online information, spot fake content like deepfakes, and think critically about what they see online. By integrating media literacy in educational systems and community programs and rallying support from various sectors, society can make significant strides against misinformation. Hence, it is important for schools to teach students to think critically about online information. Both students and teachers also need to understand how misinformation spreads and why people create it. In addition, to effectively navigate the digital landscape, I think people need to cultivate a balanced approach of open-mindedness and skepticism. This would involve considering multiple viewpoints, recognizing potential biases, and closely examining visual and audio cues for signs of manipulation. I also think there is a need for schools, teachers and parents to continuously promote awareness and ongoing education about misinformation techniques and how childreen, teens and youths can protect themselves against this online deception called fake news and deepfakes.