The Disinformation Game: Putting Viralization in Check

This chapter examines disinformation in the media, focusing on its impact on democracy and public health. The chapter highlights the dangers of misinformation, including its potential to mislead and exploit for economic gain. Central to their analysis is Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as a key strategy against disinformation. The authors explore the role of newsgames—interactive games combining journalism, education, and gameplay—as a novel educational tool. These games are designed to expose players to disinformation in a controlled setting, thereby enhancing their ability to identify and resist misleading information. The chapter categorizes newsgames into offensive and defensive types, assessing their effectiveness in addressing various aspects of disinformation. It underscores their potential in promoting media literacy and critical thinking, especially among diverse age groups. In conclusion, the authors recognize newsgames as a promising approach to improve digital and media literacy, contributing to a more discerning public. However, they also note the limitations of newsgames, including the need for better contextualization in news stories and accommodating diverse user backgrounds. The chapter offers a comprehensive perspective on the role of newsgames in combating disinformation, suggesting directions for future development in media literacy initiatives.