Do you feel a connection with your favorite TV anchors, actors, sports figures, or radio personalities?  It's a normal part of the media experience.  KMOX Virtual Consumer Editor Megan Lynch and Media Literacy expert Julie Smith talk about parasocial relationships.

For decades, Gallup has been polling Americans about their trust in mass media.  Basically, the majority of Americans have little trust in newspapers, TV and radio.  KMOX Virtual Consumer Editor Megan Lynch and Media Literacy expert Julie Smith look at possible reasons why and what might be done to restore some accountability -- and trust.

Did you read the fine print when you loaded that app on your smartphone?

You think you're "chatting" with a human online?  Think again

The latest research shows most Americans spend 20 hours a week on social media.  Yet the latest Pew studies show few people trust the information they get on social media platforms.  In the first of what will certainly be ongoing discussions, KMOX Virtual Consumer Editor Megan Lynch and Media Literacy expert Julie Smith consider whether anyone -- whether it's the government or private sector -- should regulate content.  

Algorithms - they're the computer codes that try to give you what you want online

What does it really mean to have a "verified account" on social media?

We have access to more fact checking sites and services than ever.  KMOX Virtual Consumer Editor Megan Lynch and Media Literacy expert Julie Smith look at the options and discuss how you can double-check fact checking accuracy.

Fact checking sites are seeing growing demand

Advocates are pushing for more media literacy in the US and across the world.  What is media literacy and why is it so important?  KMOX Virtual Consumer Editor Megan Lynch and Media Literacy expert Julie Smith talk about tools for better understanding the messages you receive.