Instructions
Read through the information below about misinformation and 'fake news'. Complete the tasks in the question boxes to check your understanding.
Part 1: Understanding the Key Terms
In the digital world, we see a lot of information. Some of it is true, but a lot of it can be misleading or completely false. It's important to know the difference between the types of false information you might see online.
- Misinformation: This is false information that is shared, but not with the intention to cause harm. The person sharing it often believes it is true.
Example: Your uncle shares an article on social media that claims drinking lemon water cures all diseases. He thinks he is sharing helpful advice. - Disinformation: This is false information that is deliberately created and shared to mislead, cause harm, or achieve a goal (like making money or influencing a vote). The person creating it knows it is false.
Example: A fake website is created to look like a real news site. It publishes a completely made-up story about a politician to make them look bad just before an election. - 'Fake News': This term often refers to disinformation. It describes articles or videos that are designed to look like real news to trick people. The goal is often to get lots of clicks (to make money from ads) or to push a particular viewpoint.
Example: A sensational headline like "Scientists Discover Talking Spiders in the Amazon!" with a fake photo, designed to make you click and share the story.
Question Box 1: Match the Terms
Draw a line to match the key term on the left with its correct definition on the right.
| 1. Misinformation | A. False information deliberately created to mislead or cause harm. |
| 2. Disinformation | B. False information that is spread by people who often believe it is true. |
Part 2: Why Do People Create and Share False Information?
There are several reasons why someone might create or share misinformation and disinformation:
- To make money: Sensational or shocking headlines get more clicks. More clicks mean more money from advertising on the webpage.
- To influence people: False stories can be used to change people's opinions about a person, a company, or a political issue. This is often called propaganda.
- To cause trouble: Some people create and share false information simply to cause confusion, anger, or panic.
- Genuine belief: As we saw with misinformation, sometimes people share things because they genuinely believe the story and want to help or warn others.
Question Box 2: Misinformation or Disinformation?
Read the two scenarios below and decide if each one is an example of misinformation or disinformation. Explain your reasoning.
Scenario A: A teenager edits a photo to make it look like a shark is swimming on a flooded motorway after a storm. They post it online because they think it's a funny joke to trick their friends.
Your Answer: ____________________________________________________________________
Reasoning: _____________________________________________________________________
Scenario B: Your friend's mum sees the shark photo and, believing it's real, forwards it to the family WhatsApp group with the message "Stay safe everyone! Sharks on the M25!"
Your Answer: ____________________________________________________________________
Reasoning: _____________________________________________________________________
Part 3: How to Spot False Information
Before you believe, like, or share something you see online, it's a good idea to be a detective and check the facts. Use the S.C.A.N. method:
- S - Source: Who published this information? Is it a well-known, trusted news organisation, or is it a website or social media account you've never heard of? Check the "About Us" page on a website.
- C - Check: Check other sources. Are other reliable news outlets reporting the same story? If they aren't, it could be a red flag. A quick search online can help you verify a story.
- A - Author: Who wrote the article? Are they a real journalist? Can you find other articles they have written? Disinformation often has no author listed.
- N - Nature: What is the nature of the information? Does it use emotional language to make you feel angry or scared? Are there lots of spelling or grammar mistakes? Does the headline match the content of the story? These can all be warning signs.
Question Box 3: You're the Detective!
You see a post on social media from an account called "NewsForYouNow" with the headline:
"URGENT: All schools in the UK will be closed next Monday due to a new rule about solar flares!"
Using the S.C.A.N. method, list at least three questions you would ask or actions you would take before believing or sharing this post.
- _________________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Question Box 1: Match the Terms
- 1. Misinformation matches with B. False information that is spread by people who often believe it is true.
- 2. Disinformation matches with A. False information deliberately created to mislead or cause harm.
Question Box 2: Misinformation or Disinformation?
- Scenario A:
Answer: Disinformation.
Reasoning: The teenager deliberately created false information (editing the photo) with the intent to mislead and trick people, even if it was just for a joke. They knew it was not true. - Scenario B:
Answer: Misinformation.
Reasoning: The mum believes the false information is real and is sharing it without any intention to cause harm. She is trying to warn her family.
Question Box 3: You're the Detective!
(Accept any three reasonable answers based on the S.C.A.N. method. Below are some examples.)
- (Source) I would check the "NewsForYouNow" account. Is it a professional news organisation or just a random social media page? Does it have a blue tick (on some platforms) to show it's verified?
- (Check) I would search online to see if trusted news sources like the BBC or official government/Department for Education websites are reporting the same news.
- (Nature) The word "URGENT" and the exclamation mark are designed to create panic and make me share it quickly. I would be suspicious of this emotional language.
- (Author) I would try to find out who wrote the post. If there is no author or source for the "new rule", it is less likely to be true.