A Fake News Vaccine

Researchers are using the principles of biological vaccines to administer small doses of fake news in the hope of building immunity against the tactics of bogus content-makers.

The online game—now available to play—uses the psychological theory of inoculation to build up players’ defenses against fake news.

Players are given a “credibility score” as they publish falsehoods, build false evidence and ignite conspiracy theories. A paper-and-pen trial based on the refugee crisis assigned roles like alarmist, conspiracy theorist or clickbait monger.

Researchers want to translate the game for countries like Ukraine where disinformation is potent, and use it to develop anti-radicalization strategies.

Cambridge University