Our online training is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the disinformation-plagued digital landscape. Through engaging modules, you will gain a deep understanding of disinformation, including its definition, common forms, and impact on individuals and society. The training focuses on developing and improving critical thinking skills so you can critically evaluate information and effectively identify potential disinformation. You will also learn basic fact-checking techniques to verify information before sharing it, and how to behave responsibly online. Topics covered range from understanding the motives behind disinformation and the role of social media to recognizing warning signs, using fact-checking tools, and building resilience to disinformation. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the tools necessary to combat disinformation and make informed decisions in the digital realm.
 Understanding DisinformationDefinition of disinformation Click to read
Types of disinformation Click to read
UNHCR (2022): Fabricated Content: Completely false content; Manipulated Content: Genuine information or imagery that has been distorted, e.g. a sensational headline or populist ‘click bait’; Imposter Content: Impersonation of genuine sources, e.g. using the branding of an established agency; Misleading Content: Misleading information, e.g. comment presented as fact; False Context: Factually accurate content combined with false contextual information, e.g. when the headline of an article does not reflect the content; Satire and Parody: Humorous but false stores passed off as true. There is no intention to harm but readers may be fooled; False Connections: When headlines, visuals or captions do not support the content; Sponsored Content: Advertising or PR disguised as editorial content; Propaganda: Content used to manage attitudes, values and knowledge; Error: A mistake made by established new agencies in their reporting.
Cheapfakes & deepfakes Click to read
Conspiracy Theories Click to read
Conspiracy theories are explanations or beliefs that propose a secretive, often nefarious, plot by a group of individuals or organizations to manipulate events or control certain outcomes. These theories typically involve allegations of hidden agendas, cover-ups, and collusion among powerful entities. Conspiracy theories often lack credible evidence and rely on speculation, misinterpretation, or fabrication of facts. They can cover a wide range of topics, from politics and government to health, science, and popular culture. Conspiracy theories can have significant social and psychological impacts, influencing public opinion, promoting distrust, and sometimes leading to harmful actions.
Fake news & pseudo media Click to read
Fake news refers to deliberately fabricated or misleading information presented as legitimate news. It can include false stories, manipulated images or videos, and misleading headlines that are spread through various channels, including social media, websites, and traditional media outlets. Fake news often aims to deceive or manipulate readers, provoke emotional responses, or advance specific agendas. It is important to critically evaluate sources and fact-check information to avoid falling for fake news and to promote the dissemination of accurate and reliable information. Pseudo media are media outlets or platforms that engage in deceptive or misleading practices, presenting themselves as legitimate sources of news or information while lacking journalistic integrity or adhering to ethical standards. Pseudo media might intentionally disseminate false or biased information, manipulate facts, or engage in sensationalism to attract attention or promote certain narratives. The motives behind disinformation Click to read
Political Manipulation: Disinformation can be used to manipulate public opinion, influence elections, or shape political narratives in favor of a particular candidate, party, or ideology. It aims to sow discord, undermine trust in democratic processes, or advance geopolitical interests. Propaganda and Ideology: Disinformation can be employed to promote a specific ideology, advance propaganda agendas, or support extremist or separatist movements. It aims to shape perceptions, recruit supporters, or demonize opposing groups. Economic Gain: Disinformation can be motivated by financial incentives. Individuals or groups may spread false information to drive traffic to their websites, increase ad revenue, or promote products or services based on deceptive claims. Social Division and Polarization: Disinformation can exploit societal fault lines, exacerbate existing tensions, and deepen social divisions. By amplifying controversial or divisive issues, it aims to foster mistrust, create animosity, and undermine social cohesion. Personal or Organizational Reputation: Disinformation can be used to tarnish the reputation of individuals, organizations, or institutions. It aims to damage credibility, undermine trust, or settle personal or professional rivalries. State-Sponsored Influence: Disinformation campaigns can be orchestrated by nation-states to achieve strategic objectives. This may include spreading false narratives to destabilize rival nations, manipulate global perception, or advance foreign policy goals.
Veles story
Impact on the society Click to read
Key ways in which disinformation can affect society:
Example of Capitol Hill siege
The role of social media Click to read
Social media plays a significant role in the sharing of disinformation. Its ease of use and wide reach make it a breeding ground for the rapid spread of false or misleading information. Social media platforms amplify and disseminate misinformation through user-generated content, fake accounts, and algorithmic biases. The viral nature of sharing on social media can quickly amplify disinformation, leading to the erosion of trust, polarization of opinions, and potential real-world consequences. From October 1 to December 31, 2022, the number of different posts on Facebook that received disinformation labels after being assessed for falsehood by fact-checking organizations.
Source: https://disinfocode.eu
The fact-checking organizations Click to read
Fact-checking organizations are independent entities dedicated to assessing the accuracy and veracity of claims made in public discourse, particularly in the media and online platforms. They employ journalists, researchers, and subject matter experts to investigate claims, analyze evidence, and provide objective evaluations. Fact-checkers utilize various methods, such as sourcing reliable information, conducting interviews, and analyzing data, to determine the validity of statements. Some well-known fact-checking organizations include PolitiFact, Snopes, FactCheck.org, AFP Fact Check, Full Fact, and The Washington Post's Fact Checker. These organizations play a crucial role in promoting truth and combating the spread of misinformation. The list of fact-checking organisations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fact-checking_websites
Identifying DisinformationHow to recognizing disinformation? Click to read
Recognizing disinformation can be challenging, as it often appears realistic and is disseminated widely. To analyze and identify disinformation, follow these steps:
Source: https://yali.state.gov/how-to-spot-disinformation/
How do I know if a source is credible?
Red flags of disinformation Click to read
Fact-checking tools Click to read
Responsible Online BehaviorRecognize your cognitive biases Click to read
Cognitive biases are inherent tendencies in our thinking that can lead to errors in judgment. It is crucial for older adults to be aware of these biases when navigating the online world. Some common cognitive biases include confirmation bias (favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs), availability bias (relying on readily available information), and anchoring bias (being influenced by initial information received). Recognizing these biases can help older individuals approach online content with a critical mindset and avoid being easily swayed by misleading information. Recognize signs of cognitive bias
Build resilience to disinformation Click to read
In order to navigate the online world responsibly, there are key steps to follow. First, verify information by fact-checking it before believing or sharing. Seek reliable sources and consult reputable fact-checking organizations, while cross-referencing information to ensure accuracy. Second, be mindful of emotional triggers that disinformation often exploits. Stay aware of content that evokes strong emotions and take a step back to evaluate credibility, considering alternative perspectives before reacting or sharing. Third, develop a critical eye when consuming online content by scrutinizing sources, checking for supporting evidence, and questioning claims that seem too good to be true or lack sufficient evidence. Lastly, seek out diverse perspectives to gain a well-rounded understanding, engaging with reputable news outlets, expert opinions, and alternative viewpoints to avoid falling into echo chambers and being swayed by one-sided narratives. 6 steps to responsible online behaviour Click to read
Summing up Click to read
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Disinformation as deliberately false information aimed at deceiving or manipulating people, with far-reaching and detrimental effects on society.
Keywords
Disinformation, critical thinking, media literacy, fact-checking
Objectives / Goals / Learning outcomes:
To understand disinformation, including its definition, common forms, and its impact on individuals and society.
To develop and enhance your critical thinking skills that will enable you to evaluate information critically and apply these skills to identify and assess potential disinformation.
To apply basic techniques of fact-checking to verify information before sharing it and understand responsible online behavior.
Bibliography
- Cherry, K. (2022). What Is Cognitive Bias? https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cognitive-bias-2794963#:~:text=Signs%20of%20Cognitive%20Bias&text=Only%20paying%20attention%20to%20news,shares%20your%20opinions%20or%20beliefs
- OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT [GPT-3.5]. https://chat.openai.com/
- Poynter.(2023). Misinformation red flags. https://www.poynter.org/mediawise/is-this-legit-digital-media-literacy-101/misinformation-red-flags/
- UNHCR. (2022). Factsheet 4: Types of Misinformation and Disinformation. https://www.unhcr.org/innovation/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Factsheet-4.pdf
- Wardle, C. (2018). 5 Lessons for Reporting in an Age of Disinformation. https://firstdraftnews.org/articles/5-lessons-for-reporting-in-an-age-of-disinformation
- Wardle, C. (2020). Understanding Information disorder. https://firstdraftnews.org/long-form-article/understanding-information-disorder