DISINFORMATION BLOG

As we know it, although the internet is a source majority go to for daily news updates, not every inch is scandal-free. Many websites online succumb to the concept of lying/exploiting for views, etc. This week, I played two online games teaching the inside method of such concept; “Bad News” and “Go Viral!”

Playing “Bad News” online had me way more hooked than I initially anticipated. Not only does it teach you a valuable lesson of staying wary of misleading information, but it makes learning this lesson genuinely fun due to its high interactiveness and decision-making instances!

A key feature I noticed throughout the game were the different “levels” it offered through each group of choices the player makes; Impersonation, Emotion, Polarization, Conspiracy, Discredit, and Trolling. These levels prove to be enticing due to its clear alignment with each value misleading news sites contain! At the very end of the game, the player is out through a short quiz where they identify headlines as “misleading” or not, and the reasoning if it is misleading, which I find to be another really educational and beneficial feature the app has!

“Bad News” isn’t the only game revealing these lessons, “Go Viral!” has also opened my eyes to unique experiences that show how easily misleading information can spread rapidly! This game puts the player in the role of someone attempting to attract attention by creating and sharing excessive content online. This often involves similar tactics to “Bad News!” such as exaggeration, emotional language, and conspiracy-style messaging. The main value this game holds, is the fact that in order to go viral, you don’t necessarily have to be truthful- yes, the art of dishonesty.

What stood out most is how quickly this misinformation can gain traction when its created to appeal to human emotion, specifically fear/anger. “Go Viral!” demonstrates how these types of strategies use shocking headlines, targeting specific audiences, and repeating claims can make false info seem believable.

Bad News Score

Go Viral! Score

From both experiences, it’s safe to say I learned very valuable lessons that can be put to use when scouring throughout the internet for important news updates. Such values include; thinking critically about what I see online, making me more aware of the warning signs of misleading content, like overly dramatic claims, lack of credible sources, and content meant to provoke a reaction rather than simply inform.

As always, this is your reminder to stay aware of what you see online, and always fact check!

-Jaedynn Clark