Social Media and Information Literacy

Research as Inquiry. On the internet, users can find the answer to almost anything. Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing allow users to locate all information available online that may remotely pertain to the question(s) being asked. The nature of search engines means that any resource found online that is deemed relevant to the question be asked is listed, which means narrowing down sources to be more specific and credible is difficult. Additionally, search engines will often make suggestions for websites, or other information, that is similar in nature but begins to stray away from the topic being researched. Frequently, users will find themselves going down the "rabbit hole," where they realize the information they're evaluating  no longer has anything to do with their original research question. It's incredibly easy to "fall down the rabbit hole" as a user because content creators encourage interaction to drive attention to their pages. Tactics are usually employed to grab consumer's attention and pull them even deeper into the "rabbit hole," which can lead to conspiracy theories, dominant narratives, and misinformation. 

Researching online can be an organic and nebulous process. However, it's easy to become derailed and lose sight of our intended purpose for searching. 

Explore the resources below to understand online researching, and the impact rabbit holes have on the discovery process. 

Clickbait: Clickbait is a tactic employed by creators that uses text or thumbnail images to entice users to interact with that link. Typically, these "stories" can be ads in disguise, littered with SponCon, or use sensationalized, or emotionally charged, language to mislead readers. 

Conspiracy Theories: The most dangerous aspect of falling down a rabbit hole is the prospect of falling victim to conspiracy theories. When believed wholeheartedly, conspiracy theories can lead to risky decision making. Decisions made on the basis of misinformation can lead to dangerous consequences that can have legal, medical, and social ramifications. 

• Determine an approbate scope and method of researching online. 
• Understand how to limit your research question to its base components to receive the most relevant resources possible. 
• Use different methods of looking into information online (search engines, news outlets, academic resources, etc.). 
• Understand the full scope of the issue, topic, or event by synthesizing information from multiple different sources. 
• Determine reasonable outcomes based on the information, its sources, and the purpose of its dissemination. 
• Consider online research as open-ended and value developing new and on-going questions. 
• Maintain an open mind and a critical stance. 
• Understand your own limitations as a researcher online. Reading a lot about a specific subject online will not make you an expert on that subject. 
• Formulate questions based on information gaps, which can arise out information privilege (lack of representation, lack of accessibility, the incorporation of new, opposing perspectives, etc.)