Tasks: Fake News
- Does it matter if we are fooled by fake news?
- Does it matter if news stories are written by people who have a specific agenda or bias?
- Should deepfake technology be banned?
- Are filter bubbles and echo chambers anything to worry about?
- Have you ever, or would you ever spread fake news?
- Is fake news a threat to democracy?
By following the link below to TED's website, you can watch Aviv Ovadya talk about fake news and deepfakes. Ovadya is an internationally recognized expert on the societal implications of emerging technology, with a focus on internet platforms and artificial intelligence.
Link to Aviv Ovadya's Ted Talk about fake news and deepfakes
- In what way is fake news, and especially deepfakes, a threat to democracy and civilisation according to Ovadya?
- Do you agree with Ovadya that fake news is a threat to democracy and civilisation? Explain why/why not.
- What can be done to stop the harmful effects of fake news and deepfakes?
Use the internet and find two examples of fake news, and one true story that seems strange or unbelievable. Make a note of the sources for the stories.
Share your examples in a group.
Can your classmates spot the true story among the fake stories?
If they have trouble deciding, you can tell them the source for each story.
Discuss how easy it was to differentiate between the true stories and the fake stories. Was it easier when knowing the source of the story?
Pick one of the tasks and write a longer text.
- Write a humorous short story about someone who believes fake news.
- Write a persuasive essay about why fake news should be banned.
Write a discussion text where you consider if fake news really has any serious consequences.
In 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. Both sides accused the other of spreading fake news about the war.
Find an example of a news story that was dismissed as 'fake news' by the authorities in Ukraine or Russia. Look for sources that will confirm or refute that this is fake news. Present your findings in a written report.
Discuss:
Work with two or more partners and discuss the questions below.
What consequences does it have if acts of war and war crimes can be dismissed as fake news?
Is it possible to disprove such claims?
Below, you will find a link to an NDLA resource for the digital game 'Bad News'. Play the game to learn more about fake news.
Link to the game 'Bad News' on NDLA