Description

Misinformation within U.S. immigrant communities is exacerbated by language barriers, distrust in government and mainstream media, and heavy reliance on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat, where false information spreads rapidly. These vulnerabilities are often exploited by targeted disinformation campaigns, compounded by a general lack of media literacy that hinders immigrants’ ability to discern credible sources. Led by Lam Thuy Vo, an investigative reporter and associate professor of data journalism at CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism with previous experience working with California’s Vietnamese communities, this project aims to further understand information needs among diverse immigrant communities and provide workshops to equip them with technical tools and digital literacy training. The goal is to empower these communities to identify misinformation, navigate language barriers, and access reliable sources. Workshop materials will be refined and translated into multiple languages to extend their impact across other immigrant groups and community organizers.