In today’s world, we are more connected to other people and stories than ever before, yet we are also more disconnected from one another. While the Covid-19 pandemic probably had a part to play in this, I believe we have also drifted apart from one another through the unprecedented consumption of digital content that locks us into echo chambers, where we often have limited access to different points of view. With the rapid development of AI, and the rise of misinformation, children and young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects it can have on their developmental growth.

As parents, educators and civic leaders, it has never been more important for us to support our young generations with the skills and tools to navigate the complexities that AI and misinformation bring.

The impact of misinformation on young minds

Since the pandemic, there has been a massive rise in media consumption globally. Many of us come into contact with a cacophony of content and information on a daily basis, amplified by algorithms on social media platforms, designed to lure us into clicking, viewing or watching one more time. Ofcom estimates that a quarter of three- and four-year-olds in the UK now own a smartphone, while half of children under 13 are on social media.

With the rise of confusing and misleading content, combined with increasingly sophisticated algorithms, children and young people, whose cognitive skills are still developing, have become vulnerable to a distorted and polarised understanding of the world. This can foster fear, confusion, and a loss of trust, making it difficult for young people to feel a sense of belonging or security.

Stories - a powerful tool for learning and sparking curiosity

As a teenager in the late nineties, I travelled to Kenya with my aunt and uncle. I had never been outside of Europe at that point and that trip completely changed my perception of the world as I knew it. Everything I experienced there was new and different from my life in Finland, and the curiosity that it sparked inside me led me to later study documentary filmmaking at university. Ever since, I’ve been passionate about creating and sharing real-life human stories from different parts of the world as a way to connect and seek to understand how people live and think.

Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful educational tools. Neuroscientific research by Immordino Yang & Sylvan (2009) found that ‘experiencing inspiring human stories triggers a powerful and intrinsic motivational force in learners to take action’. Research also tells us that multisensory, dramatic or emotionally strong experiences are remembered for longer and in more detail (Ginnis, 2007).

Stories introduce us to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and they draw out our natural curiosity by engaging our emotions, imagination, and sense of wonder. At Lyfta, where our work is driven by curiosity and connection, we like to ask “What’s it like to be in someone else’s shoes?” This question invites compassion and valuing experiences and perspectives different to our own. When we’re curious about others’ stories, backgrounds, and feelings, we develop empathy and a broader understanding of humanity. By questioning our biases and preconceptions, we begin to foster analytical thinking and compassionate understanding.

Three ways to spark curiosity, compassion and critical thinking in the classroom

So the question is, how can we as educators, parents, and civic leaders nurture curiosity, compassion and critical thinking, so that our young people are equipped to thrive in an age of misinformation?

Many educators tell us that these three tools can help:

1. Create a safe space for young people to have an open discussion. We all thrive in an environment where we feel heard and valued, and that in turn creates a sense of belonging.
2. Awaken the curiosity in young people by introducing diverse narratives in the classroom, allowing them to explore real-life stories and experiences that may be new and inspiring to them.
3. Encourage young people to question their assumptions, understand bias, and analyse different perspectives.

Leaving a legacy of empathy and wisdom

We all have the power to shape a future grounded in empathy, wisdom, and understanding. As parents, educators and civic leaders, the way we choose to address this challenge will become part of our legacy. It is our responsibility to help equip the next generation (and ourselves!) with the critical thinking skills to distinguish truth from misinformation and the emotional intelligence to approach the world with empathy. By creating inclusive spaces, where young people feel safe and heard, and by encouraging them to see the value of seeking diverse perspectives before forming conclusions, we can break down fear, bias, and judgement.

Lyfta is supporting school and trust leaders through a series of regional roundtable discussion events, exploring how we can together nurture curious, compassionate and critical thinkers in an age of misinformation. Insights from these roundtables will contribute to a positive national response to misinformation, which will be presented at the CST conference in 2025. Find out how you can be part of these discussions.