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A little meta to post this here, but this slideshow covers important aspects of fake news. Created by Lucas Simas on Prezi.

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This timeline is a super interesting deep dive into the history of fake news, starting all the way back with the invention of the printing press. Created by Newcastle University.

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LibGuides: Fake News: History of Fake News

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Everything you have ever wanted to know about Fake News, how to spot it and how to avoid it.

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Worksheet created by ProQuest Guided Research.

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Digital Class Activities_ Detecting Fake News - Grade 10

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This is What Russian Propaganda Looks Likes in 2024

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This is What Russian Propaganda Looks Likes in 2024

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Written by Shannon Bond for NPR. This article can be used as an example of a real world event pertaining to propaganda and fake news.

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A deepfake video of a State Department official falsely claiming a Russian city is a legitimate target for Ukrainian strikes using U.S. weapons.

Pro-Russia social media accounts amplifying stories about divisive political topics such as immigration and campus protests over the war in Gaza.

Sham news sites spoofing real publications or posing as legitimate-sounding outlets with names like D.C. Weekly, the Boston Times and Election Watch.

Russian propaganda is ramping up in a busy global election year, targeting American voters as well as elections in Europe and the Paris Olympics, according to intelligence officials, internet researchers and tech companies.

"Russia remains the most active foreign threat to our elections," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told senators last month at a briefing about election risks.

Influence operations linked to Russia take aim at a disparate range of targets and subjects around the world. But their hallmarks are consistent: attempting to erode support for Ukraine, discrediting democratic institutions and officials, seizing on existing political divides and harnessing new artificial intelligence tools.

"They're often producing narratives that feel like they're throwing spaghetti at a wall," said Andy Carvin, managing editor at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, which tracks online information operations. "If they can get more people on the internet arguing with each other or trusting each other less, then in some ways their job is done."

Some efforts have been linked directly to the Kremlin, including a network of fake accounts and phony news websites given the name Doppelganger, whose operators have been sanctioned by both the U.S. and the European Union.

The origins of others are still unknown, such as the fabricated video of State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in which reporters' questions and Miller's response about U.S. policy in the Ukraine war were faked, likely with the help of artificial intelligence. The video circulated on Russian Telegram channels and was picked up by Russian state media and government officials, according to The New York Times.

Russia employed tactics such as exacerbating existing divisive issues and creating fake accounts posing as Americans in its 2016 and 2020 election-meddling efforts, researchers say. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, discrediting Ukraine and amplifying voices in the U.S. and other countries that oppose aid to Ukraine and support for NATO has become a dominant theme of the Kremlin's efforts.

"What you can see is they are referencing politics in a certain country, and they are generally tying that to what is going on in Ukraine. The underlying message is, 'Here's why people should not support Ukraine,'" said Ben Nimmo, principal investigator on OpenAI's intelligence and investigations team, who previously led global threat intelligence at Facebook's owner, Meta.

Fake accounts, phony websites

The Kremlin relies on what Haines called "a vast multimedia influence apparatus, which consists of its intelligence services, cyber-actors, state media proxies and social media trolls" to pump out propaganda, launder fake and misleading news articles and circulate conspiracy theories.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has banned Russian media outlets including RT, Sputnik, Voice of Europe and RIA Novosti from publishing or broadcasting within the bloc. That hasn't stopped RT articles from proliferating across hundreds of other websites widely available in Europe, according to a recent report from the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the University of Amsterdam and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.

"We discovered RT articles reposted to third-party websites targeting audiences from Iraq to Ethiopia to New Zealand, often without any indication that the content was sourced from a Russian propaganda outlet," the researchers wrote.

Perhaps the most persistent and prevalent Russian online operation is Doppelganger. First identified by researchers at the EU DisinfoLab in 2022, the campaign has impersonated news outlets including the U.K.'s The Guardian, Germany's Der Spiegel, The Washington Post and Fox News, and it has posed as NATO, the Polish and Ukrainian governments, the German police and the French Foreign Ministry.

In addition to operating fake accounts and phony websites, the operation purchased Facebook ads targeting French and German audiences with messages about aid to Ukraine, farmers' protests and the war in Gaza, according to the European nonprofit AI Forensics.

Doppelganger has also set its sights on the Paris Olympics, Microsoft said in a report this week. It used fake French-language news sites to push claims of corruption in the Games' organizing body and to warn of potential violence.

In March, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned two Russian companies identified as being behind Doppelganger - Social Design Agency and Structura - as well as their founders, saying they carried out the campaign "at the direction of the Russian Presidential Administration."

The misinformation-tracking company NewsGuard has connected a separate network of 167 websites "masquerading as independent local news publishers in the U.S." to a former deputy sheriff from Florida who now lives in Moscow.

Using AI tools to create propaganda

The volume of posts, articles and websites that Russian-linked operations produce is being boosted by artificial intelligence - another new factor that sets 2024 apart from previous election cycles.

Covert influence campaigns based in Russia, as well as in China, Iran and Israel, have begun using AI in their attempts to manipulate public opinion and shape politics, according to recent reports from OpenAI, Meta and Microsoft.

A Russian operation that Microsoft calls Storm-1679 used AI to fake actor Tom Cruise's voice narrating a phony Netflix documentary disparaging the International Olympic Committee.

According to OpenAI, Doppelganger has used its AI tools, which include ChatGPT, to translate articles into other languages and generate social media posts and comments. Another Russian operation, dubbed Bad Grammar, used AI to debug code for a program that automatically posted on Telegram.

The question remains: How effective are Russia's attempts to influence public opinion and democratic elections?

Many online operations that have been publicly identified haven't reached large audiences of real people, researchers say, and AI hasn't made them any more convincing - at least not yet.

"It's absolutely true that when you look at an individual campaign, it's just as likely as not that it hasn't had a huge amount of influence, which is why Russia just does it again and again, or in a different form, or targeting a different group," the Digital Forensic Research Lab's Carvin said. "It's almost like producing cheaply manufactured goods and just getting it out there in the world, hoping that maybe one particular gadget ends up becoming the popular toy of the season, even if the others completely fail."

Many researchers who study disinformation warn against seeing the hand of Russia as an all-powerful puppeteer, especially since so much of what its mouthpieces amplify is homegrown.

"Any potential narrative that's being argued in a given political environment is fodder for Russian operations - which in itself can sound a little crazy and conspiracy-ish," Carvin said. "And in some ways you risk creating a ... situation where absolutely everything that's happening online is all Russia's fault."

But, he added, "at the same time, Russia has a lot of resources at its disposal and it's willing to experiment in different ways to see which things stick. ... Why not try all of the above and see where it takes you?"

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This is what Russian propaganda looks like in 2024

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The hallmarks of Russian-back influence are consistent: trying to erode support for Ukraine, discrediting democratic institutions and seizing on existing political divides.

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Social media and the age of AI misinformation | Aishwarya Reganti | TEDxJacksonville

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Social media and the age of AI misinformation | Aishwarya Reganti | TEDxJacksonville

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Talk by Aishwarya Reganti, a computer science, natural language processing, and AI researcher on how AI is being used to misinform on social media platforms. Posted by TEDxTalks on YouTube.

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Social media and the age of AI misinformation | Aishwarya Reganti | TEDxJacksonville

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What is circular reporting and what does it have to do with fake news? This video gives a good overview. Posted by TED-Ed on YouTube.

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Comprehensive list of fake news, misinformation, and journalism terms. Created by Miami Dade College.

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LibGuides: Fake News (and how to fight it): Glossary

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High School Librarian Uses Databases to Expose Misinformation

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High School Librarian Uses Databases to Expose Misinformation

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This high school librarian uses Gale in Context to show students how to identify misinformation. Written by Brandi Vesco for Government Technology.

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High School Librarian Uses Databases to Expose Misinformation

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Gale In Context databases provide vetted content for K-12 students and teachers on topics that range from world history to science. One high school librarian is using them to show students how to root out misinformation.

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How to Fight (and Win) an Information War | Peter Pomerantsev | TED

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How to Fight (and Win) an Information War | Peter Pomerantsev | TED

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Talk by Peter Pomerantsev, British journalist and author on how to win the information war and bring people back from their propaganda-warped views. Posted by TED on YouTube.

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How to Fight (and Win) an Information War | Peter Pomerantsev | TED

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Teaching Activity: Evaluating "Fake News"

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Teaching Activity: Evaluating "Fake News"

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Activity created by University of Louisville University Libraries.

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This humorous fake news simulator created by Gusmanson has the player use disinformation tactics to campaign against the construction of a local park for cats.

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Cat Park is a game about disinformation. Join the opposition to the cat park!

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Found on Community of Online Research Assignments.

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How to Speak Up Without Starting a Showdown

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How to Speak Up Without Starting a Showdown

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Information handout on how to talk to friends and family about falsehoods online. Created by the News Literacy Project.

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Can you tell if a post is real, a joke, a hoax, a mistake, or fake? Created by ABC Education.

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This game tests if you have the skills to spot fake news, misinformation and hoaxes online.

HOW TO PLAY

Take a look at 5 news stories we found online.
You will look at the headline, the image, the article copy and the source.

We'll keep track of how you rate the story as you go. You'll be able to see if you change your mind!
If you need some hints to help you decide, click the information icon!

When you get to the end of the story, confirm your final answer and then move onto the next one.

Ok, I'm ready. Start the game!

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Take a look at 5 news stories we found online. You will look at the headline, the image, the article copy and the source. We'll keep track of how you rate the story as you go. You'll be able to see if you change your mind!

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Media Literacy, Democracy, and the Challenge of Fake News

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Media Literacy, Democracy, and the Challenge of Fake News

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A detailed essay on the history of fake news, its ties to democracy, and a call to action for media literacy education in schools. Written by Lance E. Mason, Daniel G. Krutka, and Jeremy Stoddard for Journal of Media Literacy Education.

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Lesson plans created by PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs in partnership with MediaWise with a focus on social media posts.

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OVERVIEW

Through a partnership with the MediaWise Teen Fact-Checking Network and with support from Google, millions of teachers throughout the United States can access weekly lesson plans published by the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs that teach specific online fact-checking skills that will be posted right here! The MediaWise Teen Fact-Checking Network - or TFCN - is a virtual newsroom made up of middle and high schoolers from across the United States who use social media to debunk viral misinformation and share media literacy tips.

Explore more below and be sure to check this page weekly for new lessons!

MediaWise Teen Fact-Checking Network is a digital media literacy initiative of the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

LESSON PLAN #8

Social media posts that share misinformation about controversial topics out of context go viral because they trigger our desire to act. Students will learn the "Top Five Ways to Check for Context" and understand why understanding the context behind the information in social media posts is important. Saying "I'm sorry" and "My bad" mean the same thing - unless you are at a funeral. For more information and to complete the lesson go here (45-6O minutes)

LESSON PLAN #9

Fake social media generator websites have made it easy to impersonate a person or business and spread misinformation. These fake social media screenshots look like the real McCoy, but there are a few clues that can help identify fakes if you find yourself asking "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?" while on social media. Students will learn four clues that a social media screenshot might be fake and use some online tools that can help verify them - and then put those skills to the test. For more information and to complete the lesson go here (45 mins).

LESSON PLAN #10

Photos used out of context are the most common type of low-tech technique used to spread misinformation because we are more likely to believe information with visual imagery. Students will learn to recognize cues that images on social media should be checked and learn how to check images to make sure they accurately reflect the information in a social media post. For more information and to complete the lesson go here (45 -60 mins)

LESSON PLAN #16

False scientific claims that evoke strong emotions exploit social media algorithms that reward " sensational, eye-catching claims", like the Instagram post falsely connecting NFL player Damar Hamlin's medical emergency during an NFL game to the Coronavirus vaccine. Students will learn how to recognize when their social media feeds become an echo chamber and identify and evaluate claims based on science. here (45 mins)

LESSON PLAN #18

Performative social media activism is activism that evokes strong emotions in people eager to share messages - and sometimes misinformation - that match their beliefs around politically-charged issues. In this lesson, students will evaluate and consider bias in online content that is being used for personal gain or popularity as opposed to real support for the issue here. (45 mins)

A source is an individual, company, document or more that can provide information to fuel a new story. In order for a story to be considered verified and to maintain a reputation as a news outlet, it is important to have a credible source.

Topics

Civics

Elections

Media Literacy

Digital Literacy/Citizenship

Active Prompts

Materials

Computers

White board, chalkboard or other visual board

Internet

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Through a partnership with the MediaWise Teen Fact-Checking Network and with support from Google, millions of teachers throughout the United States can access weekly lesson plans published by the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs that teach specific online fact-checking skills that will be posted right here!

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Engaging and factual infographic on media literacy. Created by Sarah Firth for the Museum of Australian Democracy.

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Core Principles of Media Literacy Education

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Core Principles of Media Literacy Education

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Check out the National Association for Media Literacy Education's core principles of media literacy education.

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Study showing how students struggle to identify misinformation. Conducted for Stanford History Education Group and written by Joel Breakstone, Mark Smith, Sam Wineburg, Amie Rapaport, Jill Carle, Marshall Garland, and Anna Saavedra.

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Students’ Civic Online Reasoning: A National Portrait

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In November 2016, the Stanford History Education Group released a study showing that young people lacked basic skills of digital evaluation. Since then, a whole host of efforts—including legislativ…

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Lesson Plan: An Experiment in Misinformation

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Lesson Plan: An Experiment in Misinformation

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Lesson plan created by PBS NewsHour Classroom with a focus on conspiracy theories.

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Lesson plan: An experiment in misinformation

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Discuss how conspiracy theories get started in this experiment in misinformation

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Educational YouTube series on digital information. Created by CrashCourse and presented by John Green.

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In 10 episodes, John Green will teach you how to navigate the internet! We’ve partnered with MediaWise, The Poynter Institute, and The Stanford History Educa…

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How to Teach Students Critical Thinking Skills to Combat Misinformation Online

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How to Teach Students Critical Thinking Skills to Combat Misinformation Online

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Article on teaching K-12 student critical thinking skills to be able to identify misinformation online. Written by Zara Abrams for the American Psychological Association.

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How to teach students critical thinking skills to combat misinformation online

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Psychologists are a key part of the push to equip students with skills to identify falsehoods and recognize content intended to manipulate.

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Case study on how journalists had a difficult time confirming facts after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Created by Facing History & Ourselves and the News Literacy Project.

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Journalists discuss the difficulties they faced in verifying the facts after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

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In Case You Missed It: Media Literacy 101

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In Case You Missed It: Media Literacy 101

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Take a listen to this episode of 1A, a podcast hosted by NPR. In this episode, experts and educators discuss critical thinking skills and media literacy in schools.

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Earlier this year, we asked you what you wish you'd learned in school, but didn't.

Our series, "In Case You Missed It," dives into these topics with leading experts and educators so we can help catch you up. As part of the series, we'll talk about civics and finance and nutrition.

But today, we're getting into all that you didn't learn in school about media literacy and critical thinking.

Here's how Tammy from Minnesota put it:

"I think they need to teach critical thinking in school and it should be a separate unit but it should be applied throughout all the other classes in history and science and it applies to everything. Part of the problem we have I think in society, in general, is people accept what they're told without questioning it and that's a problem because clearly, people are told lies."

Critical thinking skills are at the heart of media literacy - and there's a movement to make media literacy a requirement in schools across the country. Last year, Illinois became the first state to pass a law requiring it in all high schools.

We discuss media literacy and how it should be taught. We also discuss what you need to know if you didn't learn about it in school.
Like what you hear? Find more of our programs.

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In Case You Missed It: Media Literacy 101 : 1A

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Our series, "In Case You Missed It," dives into topics you maybe wish you'd learned in school. We speak with leading experts and educators so we can help catch you up. In this episode, we're getting into all that you didn't learn in school about media literacy and critical thinking.

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Lesson plan created by the News Literacy Project with a focus on AI identification.

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Can you spot the troll? Created by the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub.

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Learn the signs of online disinformation and internet trolls. The Spot the Troll quiz asks you to examine real social media profiles and posts and decide whether they are legitimate.

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Created by the Singapore Social Science Research Council (SSRC), this fake news retro-style browser game gives the player one important mission: uncover the truth.

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Very brief overview of what fake news is and how to spot it. Posted by FackCheck.org on Youtube.

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Guides focused on specific apps, platforms, and services popular with students. Created by ConnectSafely.

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By educators, for educators: A growing collection of short, clearly written guidebooks that demystify apps, services and platforms popular with students. In PDF format. Feel free to download, print and share (if you share in bulk, please let us know).

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Check out this fake news simulator! Created by GUSMANSON in collaboration with Cambridge University scientists, this browser game puts the player in the position of a person propagating fake news.

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Play the fake news game! How bad are you? Become a fake news tycoon and get as many followers as you can.

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Includes guides, games, tip sheets, and tutorials. Created by MediaSmarts.

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This online fake news source simulator by Amanda Warner is terribly accurate! Players take on the role of a news website owner determined to get those views and shares, even if that means manipulating readers and sensationalizing stories.