The Geeky Mind

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University and beyond, a computer game emerged as an unexpected ally in teaching upper secondary school students to differentiate between reliable information and misleading news.

Why It Matters

Navigating today’s world, saturated with disinformation, demands critical thinking skills. Thomas Nygren, Professor of Education at Uppsala University, emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with tools to combat manipulative strategies. Deep fakes and AI-generated disinformation are nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye, making “prebunking” essential.

The Game: Bad News

The study focused on the game “Bad News,” designed for research and teaching. Participants assumed the role of news spreaders, encountering both reliable and misleading content. The surprising twist? The game’s impact was tested in a real classroom setting for the first time.

Results That Raise Eyebrows

Students played the game individually, in pairs, or as whole-class groups with a shared scorecard. All three methods yielded positive effects. Contrary to expectations, working together at the computer didn’t necessarily enhance learning. Instead, students honed their ability to identify manipulative techniques in social media posts and distinguish between trustworthy and deceptive news.

Attitude Shifts

Students who already valued reliable news sources improved even further after playing the game. Their assessments of credibility became more sophisticated, and they could articulate how to spot manipulation. Competitive elements within the game piqued interest and amplified its benefits.

Takeaway for Educators

This study sheds light on how serious games, when strategically integrated into formal instruction, can promote media and information literacy. While gamification adds fun and interest, it doesn’t always correlate with increased learning.