27 July 2026: A one-hour University of Canberra course promoting media literacy in adults could reduce the threat of misinformation, after a study showed significant and lasting improvements in how participants engaged with information they find on the internet.
The Stay Smart Online program, developed by researchers from the University of Canberra's News & Media Research Centre (N&MRC) in partnership with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), teaches practical skills including how to identify misinformation, fact-check online content, evaluate sources and think critically about the information people encounter every day.
Findings from a pilot study of the course were published today in Media literacy in 60 minutes: How to help older Australians spot misinformation and find facts.
The research found participants' media literacy improved by an average of 23 per cent immediately after completing the course, with gains still evident three months later. Confidence in verifying information increased by 32 per cent, while participants were 27 per cent better at distinguishing trustworthy content from unreliable information.
Lead author and University of Canberra PhD candidate Saffron Howden said the findings demonstrate the importance of practical media literacy education as Australians navigate an increasingly complex digital environment.
"We know the internet, social media and AI have transformed the information landscape, allowing anyone with a digital device and internet connection to instantly publish information to the world," Ms Howden said.
"In this environment, misinformation has flourished, threatening social cohesion, democracy, and public and civic health.
"Media literacy is a cost-effective and proven way to build people's resilience to misinformation by developing the critical thinking skills needed to analyse and evaluate information in an increasingly overwhelming and polarised online ecosystem."
The course delivered the greatest benefits to groups traditionally shown to have lower levels of media literacy, including older Australians, people living in regional areas, those with lower levels of formal education, and people who speak a language other than English at home.
The course was piloted through public libraries as part of the Stay Smart Online program, where it received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both library staff and participants. Almost all participants said they would recommend the course to others.
ALIA Chief Executive Officer Cathie Warburton said the program addressed a growing need within Australia's public libraries.
"Library professionals see media literacy as essential work, but only a small proportion say they are well equipped to support that mission," Ms Warburton said.
"This course provides the practical, ready-to-use resources libraries need, alongside professional development that helps staff better support their communities."
University of Canberra News & Media Research Centre Director Professor Sora Park said the findings reinforce the importance of investing in media literacy as technology continues to evolve.
"Our research shows that older people are more vulnerable to misinformation online," Professor Park said.
"Now we have research-backed resources to help them stay smart online and avoid falling for misinformation.
"We must embed the course within a national adult media literacy initiative so people can continue refreshing their skills and keep pace with rapid technological change."
The report was authored by Saffron Howden, Dr Janet Fulton, Professor Sora Park and Cathie Warburton as part of the ongoing research partnership between the University of Canberra's News & Media Research Centre and ALIA.
Access the full report.
