Why we need data literacy now more than ever

When we think “back to school” we typically think backpacks and lunchboxes, textbooks and dorm rooms…what about the millions of adults going “back to school” looking for a change and seeking out new skills?

A recent blog highlighted the ongoing demand for data and analytics skills and, in particular, SAS skills. I was pleased to read how women are flocking to SAS skills, a “a singular rarity in the male-dominated IT sphere.” Also, as SAS celebrates its 45th year, it’s heartening to see young people also pursuing SAS skills and credentials.

But I’d like to focus on an emerging skill that people of all ages should build, urgently: data literacy. Data literacy is the ability to consume, interpret and understand data, and is an essential skill for success in today’s world and workplaces.

A critical moment for data literacy

The importance of data literacy has been accelerated by disinformation related to COVID treatments, vaccines and other highly politicized topics. Faced with a tidal wave of questionable information from various sources– some more reliable than others -- many people found themselves overwhelmed and underprepared to make meaning of the data they were encountering. 

As people seek out new skills and kids return to school, the stakes could not be higher for individuals, educators and parents questioning how to curb the effects of disinformation. The answer: improve data literacy. 

Why is data literacy key? Nonprofit group Common Sense finds that less than half of kids agree they know how to tell fake news stories from real ones. Only about one in four kids who get news online think that news posted online is "very accurate."

This inability to identify what is factual, and the disillusionment with online news, is not limited to young people. And while people of all ages have spread misinformation through social media, it’s actually older people that are the worst offenders. Researchers at Princeton and NYU found in a study that 65+ year-olds are seven times more likely to share fake news than those aged 18-29.

Before sharing that next article, I encourage people to check out the advice and resources offered by the News Literacy Project (NLP).

Brush up on your data literacy skills

SAS has been leading efforts to build data literacy skills for people of all ages. Our free Data Literacy Essentials course and curriculum equips students, teachers, leaders and individuals with the data literacy skills needed to make sense of the data citizens encounter every day.

SAS also has a partnership with the News Literacy Project to provide guidance on interpreting COVID and vaccine data. NLP also provides free classroom resources for teaching students how to interpret the news.

I’ve written about the importance of childhood literacy in building a foundation for future academic and career success. It remains a passion of mine. But on this International Literacy Day, I encourage everyone to be lifelong learners and add data literacy skills to your talents.