by Evelyn Verburgh, Mediajungle, The Netherlands.
Disinformation has been around for a long time, but since the advent of social media, its spread has accelerated. New technologies also make fake messages seem more real. In The Netherlands there were no projects, materials, or tools specifically for people with a mild intellectual disability (MID) that focused on disinformation. Mediajungle,which helps people and especially those with MID, to become media literate in a playful way, thought it was high time that this changed. So it developed The Super Fake Safari in close collaboration with the target group.
Extra sensitive
People with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) often exhibit impulsive behavior, have difficulty assessing the intentions of others, and find it difficult to distinguish between real and fake. Their language comprehension and reading skills are also limited, making them extra sensitive to disinformation. And that can have unpleasant consequences, such as believing in unsubstantiated health claims, extremism or an enhanced negative self-image.
The Super Fake Safari
Real or fake? Quite a puzzle!
The Super Fake Safari, is a playful and unique combination of a physical puzzle and a web app that helps players to look critically at information and to recognize reliable sources. Players are taken on a journey through four different forms of disinformation: clickbait, fake news, deepfake technology, and the misleadingly perfect world on social media. Through videos, assignments, games and discussion questions, they discover that not everything you encounter online is real or true and what the dangers are. They also learn how to recognize whether something is real or fake.
Players are taken on a journey through clickbait, fake news, deepfakes, and the misleadingly perfect world on social media
Making learning enjoyable
Developer Niels Bloembergen: “Within The Super Fake Safari we use gamification to make learning truly enjoyable. Each level contains videos, animations, small tasks and games. Our experience shows that a combination of physical and digital components challenges players even more. For people with an intellectual disability, visuals are crucial. Therefore, we deliberately chose to develop videos for each level in the game. In these videos, we slow down the pace, avoid difficult words, and support spoken language with animation. This way, we cater to the information processing level of the target group.”
For people with an intellectual disability, visuals are crucial
Secondary target group
The Super Fake Safari also aims to increase awareness and knowledge about disinformation among those who guide and support people with MID. “After all, caregivers, teachers, and educators are also powerful role models. The discussion about the players’ own experiences and knowledge is central to the game. It is about a joint interactive journey of discovery,” says Niels.
Here’s how you play The Super Fake Safari
- The game runs on web technology, requiring no downloads or installations, and can be played on any device with an internet connection with the QR code or via Mediajungle.eu. Progress is saved within the web app, allowing players to pause and resume later.
- The players complete each level by finding the correct form of disinformation on the puzzle and setting aside that puzzle piece. This way, they also learn to recognize the various forms of disinformation in a different context.
- Ultimately, the four puzzle pieces that the players have set aside form a new puzzle. A secret number is hidden on this puzzle, and players complete The Super Fake Safari by entering this secret number into the app.
- It is suitable for playing alone or together with friends, classmates, teachers, parents or supervisors.
Media literacy
Niels: “Although The Super Fake Safari is particularly designed for people with MID, it has proven to be appropriate for everyone aged 9 and above. The game is widely used in media literacy classes, in libraries and in health and welfare institutions in The Netherlands and Belgium. The vast majority of the players indicate that after playing The Super Fake Safari they are more aware of online disinformation and can better recognize the different forms. Teachers and caregivers are relieved of the burden of specific preparation, as players are guided step by step through the game after starting the app. After finishing the game, the acquired knowledge is tested and players are asked about their experiences through an online evaluation form. Based on this feedback, we are still making adjustments and improvements.”
The Super Fake Safari in short:
- Gain knowledge about disinformation interactively
- Clear explanation by the virtual safari tour leader
- Adjustable presentation speed
- Can be played in groups as well as individually
- Suitable for use in class, libraries, assisted living, at home
More info at www.mediajungle.eu
Editor’s Note: We are delighted to add that Mediajungle’s SuperFake Safari was the 2023 MEDEA Award winner which was announced on 20 June in Leuven as part of the annual Media & Learning Conference. Developer Niels Bloemberge joined us for the MEDEA Awards ceremony in Leuven City Hall and accepted the MEDEA Statuette on behalf of Mediajungle.
Author
Evelyn Verburgh is Media Literacy Educator and Mediajungle co-creator
