Capilano Universe: The importance of disinformation literacy for civic engagement

We are constantly consuming information that reinforces our own worldviews, so training ourselves to look for — or at least tolerate — other views might be a good way to reduce online polarization and rage. We will talk about how to avoid spreading disinformation through critical enquiry, and the use of free online fact-checking tools. This talk will also highlight the need for disinformation literacy at all ages to promote civil discourse, civic engagement and voter literacy.

This is the first talk of 2025 Capilano Universe, an annual series of lectures presented by Capilano University faculty at local public libraries. 

About the presenter 

Dr. Alaa Al-Musalli teaches Disinformation and Media, Civil Discourse and Democracy, Conflict and Communication, Intercultural Communication, and Business Communication at Capilano University, Vancouver, BC. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Bangor University, UK, 2008. She has over 24 years of teaching experience at universities in the Middle East and Canada, and she has published papers and articles in the fields of Media Studies, Disinformation Literacy, and Education. Dr. Alaa received a Teaching Excellence Award at Capilano University in 2022.

Participants can attend the lecture either in-person at the library or via Zoom. Registration is required by 5 p.m. on January 15. For those attending via Zoom, the link will be sent to the email address you use to register on the day of the event.

Questions? Please contact info@nvcl.ca or 604-998-3450. For questions about Capilano Universe, email capilanouniverse@capilanou.ca.