Fake news foes introduce education legislation

California lawmakers concerned that fake news is a threat to democracy have introduced bills to combat the issue.

Democratic Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles introduced AB155 on Wednesday.

The bill would help high school students learn how to identify fake stories.

Democratic State Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa introduced a similar bill to direct the board of education to create a media literacy program.

Reaction to the proposals is mixed.

Some people said they don’t think laws are needed to teach young people how to know the difference between real and fake news sources.

But even the President Elect Donald Trump has accused popular news channels of airing fake news and Facebook has hired people to flag fakes news.

Alex Weiley of Santa Barbara said, “I definitely think people should be aware that there is a fake news out there. I don’t think a bill is the best way to do that. I think people should just really use their discretion and really think about where the source is coming from.”

Jenna McIntyre favors legislation.

“You can kind of tell, like whether it is coming from Wikipedia or somebody’s own opinion but yeah, it is important to check your sources, right, like they should definitely be teaching that in school,” said McIntyre.

Asia Warren said she likes NPR but avoids most media.

“I personally don’t watch the news because I feel there is so much hype to it, ya know, everything is over emphasized. Most of the time it is not a clear delivery,” said Warren.

Media outlets will have to do their part to win the confidence of viewers and listeners back before the next election.