Building Critical Eyes Online: A Reflection on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Training

Recently, our Rise Club facilitators, Manana Malete and Nosipho Motingwe, attended a two-day Media and Information Literacy training hosted by Africa Check. The workshop created a powerful learning space that unpacked misinformation, digital safety, mental health in online environments, and how organisations can strengthen their communication practices in an increasingly complex digital world.

What stood out most from the training was how clearly it framed the information crisis we are all navigating. Not all false information is the same, and understanding the distinctions is critical. The session broke it down into three categories: misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Misinformation refers to false information shared without harmful intent. Disinformation is deliberately created and shared to mislead or cause harm. Malinformation, on the other hand, involves the use of true information in a harmful or manipulative way.

These distinctions may seem simple on paper, but in practice they are deeply important. As the Rise facilitators reflected, “This session highlighted how quickly information can be distorted and the impact it can have on individuals and organisations.” In a digital space where content is often shared without context or verification, even a single misleading post can shift public perception or cause real harm.

A key strength of the workshop was its practical focus on verification skills. Participants were not only introduced to concepts but also actively engaged in exercises designed to sharpen their ability to assess online content. These included source checking, reverse image searches, cross-referencing multiple platforms, and analysing context. These tools are especially important in an era where images and videos can be easily manipulated or taken out of context to create misleading narratives.

Alongside content verification, the training also highlighted personal digital safety. In a time when cyber threats are increasingly common, simple practices such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and using password managers were reinforced as essential habits. The facilitators noted, “We also reflected on personal digital security, including strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and the use of password managers.”

Another important and often overlooked aspect of the workshop was the conversation around mental health in digital spaces. Participants explored the concept of doomscrolling the habit of continuously consuming negative online content and its impact on emotional wellbeing. The discussion unpacked how constant exposure to distressing news or harmful content can increase anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue, especially for young people who are highly active online.

The workshop also addressed serious online risks such as cyberbullying, social engineering, sextortion, and doxxing. These are not abstract threats; they are real dangers that affect individuals daily, particularly those who are active on social media platforms. The session emphasised the importance of awareness, prevention, and having clear digital boundaries to stay safe online.

Beyond individual learning, the workshop pushed participants to think at an organisational level. How do we embed media literacy into the way we work? How do we ensure that our communication systems promote accuracy, accountability, and ethical engagement?

From these discussions, several practical ideas emerged, including the development of youth-focused media literacy programmes, stronger internal communication policies, public awareness campaigns, and community education initiatives aimed at countering misinformation. These are not just strategies they are long-term investments in building informed, resilient communities.

Reflecting on the two-day experience, the value of the training was clear. It strengthened not only technical skills in verification and digital safety but also reinforced the importance of ethical communication in a rapidly evolving information landscape.

Ultimately, Media and Information Literacy is about more than identifying false information. It is about building critical thinkers, responsible communicators, and empowered communities who can navigate the digital world with confidence and care.