Honestly, fake news is now an online game - and it will help fight against the spread 'misinformation', say scientists
The free game is intended to combat a growing epidemic of misinformation said to be sweeping across social media and online news outlets.
Fake news video game is being launched which is said to "vaccinate" players against misinformation. Developed by Cambridge University scientists, players take on the role of fake news producers and score points by winning followers for their conspiracy theories and angry tweets.
Research has shown that exposing people to propaganda tactics can psychologically "inoculate" them against the influence of real fake news.
The free game is intended to combat a growing epidemic of misinformation said to be sweeping across social media and online news outlets.
Dr Sander van der Linden, director of Cambridge University's Social DecisionMaking Laboratory, said: "A biological vaccine administers a small dose of the disease to build immunity.
Similarly, inoculation theory suggests that exposure to a weak or demystified version of an argument makes it easier to refute when confronted with more persuasive claims.
"If you know what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone who is actively trying to deceive you, it should increase your ability to spot and resist the techniques of deceit. "We want to help grow 'mental antibodies' that can provide some immunity against the rapid spread of misinformation." The game can be downloaded from the website fakenewsgame.org.
Players set up fake news websites and are encouraged to manipulate public reaction to thorny topics such as climate change and genetic engineering.
The game works at different levels, involving both bizarre made-up conspiracy theories - one being the claim that dinosaurs built the pyramids - and misinformation with a genuine history.
The study findings have been accepted for publication in the Journal of Risk Research.
Student voices are very critical in the development of the education sector and the development of the country. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum Attorney-General and Minister for Education