“Fake News” and the Sociological Imagination: Theory Informs Practice

Abstract

The disordered information environment that fostered “fake news” in the 2016 U.S. election is still here. We need the social justice paradigm offered by critical information literacy to meet higher-order learning goals such as the creation of informed citizens. Sociology originated critical theory; therefore, applying the sociological imagination to information literacy practice provides valuable insights that can impact our day-to-day instruction in a way that meaningfully integrates a critical perspective. Attendees will be invited to practice the sociological imagination and consider how a social problems approach to information seeking and evaluation can impact their own information literacy instruction.