Information & Data Literacy: The Superpower of the Future

We come across information everywhere on the internet, at school, on social media. Numbers, charts, news, opinions… But which ones are true? Which ones actually help us understand something?

To answer these questions, we need a skill: information and data literacy.

Information and data literacy means knowing where to find information, checking if the source is trustworthy, understanding data (like numbers and graphs), and explaining it clearly to others. It’s not just about finding information. It’s about understanding it, questioning it, and using it wisely.

As Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” But that power only comes from accurate knowledge. If we believe something that’s wrong, we might make poor decisions.

For students, this skill is especially important. It helps us:

Tell the difference between reliable and unreliable sources

Use correct data in school projects

Think critically about what we see online

Share information in a clear and meaningful way

For example, if you’re doing a science project about how temperature affects plant growth, you need to collect and read your data carefully. If you misread the numbers, your conclusion might be wrong.

Dan Heath once said, “Data are just summaries of thousands of stories. Tell a few of those stories to help make the data meaningful.” So data isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding and sharing what those numbers really mean.

Being data literate helps you make smarter choices, stand out in school and future jobs, use technology better, and contribute to your community. It’s not just about being a good student. It’s about being a thoughtful problem-solver.

Today, it’s easy to find information. But understanding it, questioning it, and using it well. That’s what really matters. Information and data literacy is a superpower for the future. And it’s a skill you can start building right now.