While their motives aren't always evil, people who bend the truth don't usually do so for the greater good, either. The online world is no exception-in fact, it's a paradise for purveyors of hype, pseudo-journalism, and intellectual snake oil. This video explores ways to identify bias and propaganda on the Internet and sift through the various influences, such as political or corporate interests, that may be behind some Web content. Spotlighting key aspects of propaganda and bias-driven writing, such as the use of glittering generalities, name-calling, or card-stacking, the program also presents important tips for differentiating between advertising and genuinely useful, scholarly material-a task made increasingly difficult by cleverly disguised sponsorship. Web savvy is further developed through discussions of URL suffixes (.com,.org, etc.) and what they indicate.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on October 02, 2011. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Introduction: Media and Information Literacy (3:57) -- Propaganda (3:02) -- Propaganda: Strategies (2:44) -- Bias (2:34) -- Website Evaluation (1:38) -- Website Target Audiences (1:22) -- Advertising (4:37) -- Fast Facts to and Terms to Remember (2:07) -- Credits: Recognizing Online Propaganda, Bias, and Advertising (0:52).