The internet, social media and generative artificial intelligence (AI) have upended the information ecosystem, allowing anyone with a digital device and an internet connection to instantly publish to the world with few guardrails for accuracy, independence, plurality or ethics. Engagement-driven algorithms and low-effort AI have allowed misinformation to flourish, threatening social cohesion, democratic processes, public health, disaster management, institutional trust, public order and civic debate.

This report details the development, application and evaluation of evidence-based media literacy learning resources for people aged 55 and over. Media literacy is a proven response to misinformation but globally few dedicated tools exist for older people, who are more vulnerable to manipulated, misleading and inaccurate information.

The research team developed a one-hour short course, offered online and in person to 79 Australians, to determine how effective media literacy education is in reducing the reach and influence of misinformation among older Australians. The training had an immediate impact on media literacy levels, which grew by an average 23% across demographics, and on critical thinking skills and confidence in media abilities. After three months, the impact of the course had diminished but nonetheless contributed to an uplift of 11% on initial scores. Importantly, the research found the course helped narrow the gap between those with better existing media literacy and confidence (left wing, educated, younger, city-living and born in Australia) and those with fewer skills (political centrists, less educated, older, living in regional areas and born overseas).

These results suggest that the course is an effective tool for teaching media analysis and evaluation skills to Australians aged 55+, as well as developing their critical thinking capacity, boosting their confidence in navigating online content, and building resilience to misinformation. Based on the research, an education toolkit, Stay Smart Online, was developed and pilot tested through libraries. The toolkit includes training slides and presenter instructions, informational videos, tip sheets, quizzes, promotional flyers and evaluation forms. The report notes overwhelmingly positive feedback was received from library patrons and staff, combined with useful suggestions that were used to refine and improve the toolkit. The enthusiastic uptake of the toolkit shows this project fills an important gap in media literacy resourcing and can be used to strengthen Australia’s misinformation responses to help rebuild social cohesion.