| Short introduction to this modul People today have access to a vast array of informational resources, ranging from online search engines and social media platforms to simple mailing lists and WhatsApp groups. However, the abundance of information available can make it challenging to handle. Unfortunately, with the increase in information load and sources, there has also been a rise in the distribution of fake news and conspiracy theories. Our social influences play a significant role in how we choose to receive information. People seek information about what their peers believe and do in order to avoid social exclusion or just to feel part of a group. As a result, people tend to discover news from posts made by their friends on social media platforms. Given that young people consume most of their information from social media, this reputational aspect has become a crucial element in the information gathering process among the various social media platforms available. An information bubble is created when people primarily, or exclusively, consume information from the same type of sources, or with the same type of agenda or political viewpoint. The consequences of information bubbles can be significant. They can lead to a polarised and fragmented debate where people are less likely to engage with those who hold different views, and where social and political divisions are reinforced. They can also undermine the public's trust in institutions such as the media, and in some cases, can even have real-world consequences such as the spread of misinformation or the exacerbation of social and political conflicts. Below you will find a list of training activities you can implement with your class/young people with the purpose of gaining knowledge and abilities dealing with various aspects related to conspiracy theories. |
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What is a conspiracy theory?
The information bubble
Why do we believe in conspiracy theories?
Fact checking
What is critical thinking?
How to escape the rabbit hole?
Activity 2 - Consequences and risk level
Visualizing the real-life consequences can help learners assess the gravity of any claim and act accordingly, from adopting it to ignoring it or actively fighting it.
Description
Teaching learners to surpass the superficial aversion or draw to a theory and look into the future for real-life consequences
Learning Outcomes
After completing this activity, learners will:
- develop problem-solving skills by brainstorming and discussing the multifaceted consequences of conspiracy theories in different spheres of society.
- gain interdisciplinary knowledge by exploring the impact of conspiracy theories across diverse areas such as public health, civil life, socialization, foreign affairs, and education.
- collaborate in groups, fostering teamwork skills as they discuss and analyze the implications of conspiracy theories within their assigned sectors.
- assess the risks associated with different conspiracy theories, predicting potential outcomes in different spheres of society.
Materials needed for implementation
- Pens
- Notebooks
- Whiteboard or digital visualization tools (MS paint or more advanced)
- Desktop or laptop
- Projector
Time required
45 min - 1 hour
Minimum / Maximum group size
4+ learners
Level
Beginner (no prior knowledge required)
Introduction
Explain about the exercise and the concept of social echo-chambers and provocative content on popular platforms.
15 min.
15 min.
Activity description
Learners will list the most prevalent theories in their countries. Then, they will split in groups (2-4 groups, 2-3 people/each) and discuss to find the possible implications of conspiracy theories in each sphere of the community and the nation: depending on the number of the groups, each will focus on specific topics: e.g. one group will find the consequences in public health, the other in civil life, the other in socialization, the other in foreign affairs or education etc.
According to their findings, which will be presented in class, the trainer will then draw a scale, graph or arrow and they will place each of the theories on it (using the activity’s printout), ranking them from “fairly harmless” and “potentially dangerous” to “potentially destructive” or “immediate threat”.
30 min.
According to their findings, which will be presented in class, the trainer will then draw a scale, graph or arrow and they will place each of the theories on it (using the activity’s printout), ranking them from “fairly harmless” and “potentially dangerous” to “potentially destructive” or “immediate threat”.
30 min.
Debriefing
In the debriefing session, the trainer will guide learners to consider the ethical dimensions of their analyses and the both types of errors: the false positive - believing in something that isn´t true and the false negative - not believing in something that turns out to be true. Learners will actively participate, discussing their insights, challenges faced during the activity, the interconnectedness of misinformation with various aspects of society and which - the false positive or the false negative is most dangerous in "harmless" theories and if this changes in "dangerous" theories.
10 min.
10 min.
Adaptation to online mode
No modifications required (breakout rooms for small group work).
Further resources
Greenburg A. G., Liefgreen A., Bell V., & Raihani N. (2022). Factors affecting conspiracy theory endorsement in paranoia. Royal Society Open Science 9 (1). Link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.211555
QAnon Conspiracies Are Tearing Through Evangelical America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYMIozCKxGE&ab_channel=VICENews
Individual differences & fake news | Sander van der Linden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=399GVTdIrT4
QAnon Conspiracies Are Tearing Through Evangelical America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYMIozCKxGE&ab_channel=VICENews
Individual differences & fake news | Sander van der Linden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=399GVTdIrT4
References
Van der Linden. Rage against the machine: Echo chambers and filter bubbles. In FOOLPROOF: Why Misinformation Infects Our Minds and How to Build Immunity. Sander van der Linden. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2023.
