Media literacy — ContrastaLab

Five habits for better reading

No specialist knowledge required. Just questions anyone can ask themselves when faced with any text.

Separate who says it from what is said

The origin of a claim does not determine whether it is true or false. A hostile outlet may publish correct data. A friendly outlet may publish incorrect data. Evaluate the content, not just the source.

Distinguish facts from opinions

A fact is verifiable: "unemployment rose 2% in January" can be checked. An opinion is a judgement: "the government has failed". The problem is not mixing them — it is not realising they are being mixed.

Find the primary source

When an article cites a study, report or statement, look for the original document. Most errors and manipulation occur in the step between the primary source and the headline.

Notice what is not said

Cherry-picking does not lie about what it claims — it omits what contradicts it. Always ask: what context is missing here? What data would complete this picture? Omissions matter as much as claims.

Be wary of intense emotion

Outrage, fear and pride are legitimate emotions. But when a text triggers very intense emotions, that is the moment to slow down, not to share. The most effective manipulations are the ones that most enrage or enthuse.

Questions to ask about any news story

Before believing, sharing or acting on information.

Origin

Who is publishing this and what interests do they have?

Evidence

Where are the data or documents supporting this claim?

Context

What information is missing to fully understand this?

Language

Does the text inform or seek to provoke an emotional reaction?

Cross-check

What do other independent sources say about this?

Consequence

Who benefits from me believing and sharing this?

Types of content circulating online

Not everything that looks like news is news. Recognising the format helps calibrate the initial level of credibility.

📰

News

Account of recent events with identified sources. Verifiable.

✍️

Opinion

A judgement or assessment by an author. Legitimate, but not a fact.

📢

Propaganda

Content designed to persuade, not to inform. Often mixes facts with biased interpretations.

❌

Disinformation

False or misleading information, intentional or not. May look like news.

For educators and schools

ContrastaLab can be used as a practical classroom tool to develop critical thinking about media. We offer educational licences for schools and universities.

In-class analysisAnalyse political speeches or opinion articles in real time and discuss the results with the group.

Detection exercisesUse the fallacy database for students to identify examples in real texts.

Evidence-based debateAsk students to verify their claims with ContrastaLab before a debate.