Can I trust this image?: evaluating the relationship between information literacy skills and the ability to identify visual misinformation

Misinformation, or incorrect information, in all forms is a recent and widespread threat. While information literacy methods, such as the CRAAP method and the RADAR framework, more research is necessary to determine prevalence and effectiveness of these methods. In this mixed-methods survey, I evaluated Gen Z information seekers’ experience with and implementation of information literacy methods, specifically how these methods informed their ability to identify correct visual information. While Gen Z information seekers understand the importance of information literacy, they were relatively unsuccessful at correctly identifying visual information and visual misinformation. The results of this study have informed understandings of Gen Z’s information literacy skills and the design of a visual literacy method: FACTS?. More research into the relationship between Gen Z, information literacy, and the ability to determine the difference between visual information and visual misinformation is necessary.