If you consume news on social media—even occasionally—this conversation is worth your time.

Social media has made information more accessible than ever, but it has also made misinformation easier to spread. As someone who studies media, technology, and digital literacy, I’m always looking for resources that help people become more thoughtful consumers of information rather than passive scrollers.

In this Good to Know segment from 4WWL (WWL-TV), host Malik Mingo speaks with Professor Ashley Nelson of the Tulane University School of Business about how social media influences what we see and why media literacy is an essential skill today.

Take Note:

1. Social media is now a major news source.

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that more than half of U.S. adults regularly get news through social media. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have become part of many people’s daily news habits.

2. Popular doesn’t always mean trustworthy.

Social media platforms prioritize engagement. Content that is emotional, controversial, or attention-grabbing often rises to the top—not necessarily because it’s accurate, but because it keeps people interacting.

3. Visibility is not credibility.

Just because a story appears repeatedly in your feed—or has thousands of shares—doesn’t make it true. Credibility comes from evidence, sourcing, and verification, not algorithms.

One of the biggest misconceptions about media literacy is that it’s simply about spotting “fake news.” In reality, it’s about developing the habit of asking better questions.

Who created this?
Why was it created?
What evidence supports it?
Can I verify it somewhere else?

These are skills everyone can develop, regardless of age or political viewpoint.

As our news ecosystem continues to evolve, media literacy is no longer just an educational topic—it’s a life skill. Whether you’re voting, parenting, teaching, or simply trying to stay informed, learning how to evaluate information is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Questions to Consider:

• Where do you get most of your news?
• When was the last time you verified a story before sharing it?
• Do you follow a variety of reputable news sources, or does most of your information come from social media?
• What habits could help you become a more informed digital citizen?

Read the Original / Watch the SegmentWatch the full Good to Know segment from 4WWL featuring Malik Mingo and Ashley Nelson here.