Conspiracy Theories & Media Literacy with Renee Hobbs

In this episode, we explore the allure and growing influence of conspiracy theories, and how they are both combated by and influenced by Media Literacy. This includes the role of conspiracy theories in our sociopolitical context, and the issues and challenges in our current marketplace of ideas - in the classroom, on social media, and in our public discourse.

My guest is Dr. Renee Hobbs, professor of communication studies at the Harrington School of Communication and Media at the University of Rhode Island, and Director of the Media Education Lab.

She is also the author of the new book, Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education in a Digital Age (W.W. Norton).  

This is part one of a two-part interview.