The Go Viral! game makes a person better at spotting misinformation
The Go Viral! game makes a person better at spotting misinformation
The Go Viral! game makes a person better at spotting misinformation
By Robby Berman
May 15, 2021
Summary
An online game called "Go Viral!" teaches players how misinformation works, as they try to win by making fake news go viral.
The lab co-developed a browser-based game called Go Viral! with media agency DROG. In the game, players learn how fake news spreads by trying to get some fake news of their own to go viral.
In learning the tricks of the fake news trade, players develop a skepticism that helps them recognize misinformation.
In the game, players post information on COVID-19 designed to be provocative enough to generate "Likes." They use emotionally charged language, fear, and outrage - techniques employed by real-life conspiracists - to keep their audience clicking and sharing.
When a player's baseless misinformation goes viral, they win the game.
The researchers then asked participants to play a game of Go Viral! or examine the UNESCO infographics.
Of the people who had played Go Viral!, 74% correctly identified tweets containing misinformation.
When the researchers questioned the Go Viral! players about their ability to spot fake news in the future, 67% of them felt more confident of their ability.
Go Viral! players continued to be good at spotting misinformation, while infographic viewers had reverted to their prior vulnerability.
Basol and Dr. Roozenbeek suggested that Go Viral! players fared better because the game is "Based on decision trees, so people have flexibility to craft their own narratives, and people interact with other users and regularly receive feedback about their choices. In short, our serious games tap into basic psychological needs, which are known to enhance motivation and engagement compared to other types of multimedia content."
Reference
Berman, R. (2021, May 15). Online game teaches players how misinformation works. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-go-viral-game-makes-a-person-better-at-spotting-misinformation.