Disinformation Techniques

Module 1

Combating Online Misinformation to Prevent Radicalisation of Vulnerable Adults

Erasmus+ Project # 2025-1-NL01-KA220-ADU-000358363

Learning Goal:

Understand how misinformation and disinformation are created, spread and amplified in digital environments, and recognise the techniques and mechanisms that make misleading content persuasive.

Lessons

1.1. Typology of Disinformation

Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
Political, economic, and ideological motives behind manipulation.

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Module 1.1 Download

1.2. Propaganda and Persuasion Techniques

Repetition, appeal to emotion, authority bias, false balance.
Visual manipulation, memes, and emotional storytelling as persuasion tools.

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Module-1-Unit-12 Download

1.3.Information Ecosystems

Algorithms, filter bubbles, echo chambers
The role of influencers, bots, and coordinated inauthentic behaviour.

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Module-1-Unit-13 Download

1.4. Case Studies

European examples: EUvsDisinfo, StopFake, and others.
Disinformation targeting migrants, refugees, and youth audiences.

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Module-1-Unit-14 Download

1.5. Interactive simulation

“Spot the Manipulation” – choose which post contains bias, explain why it feels believable.
Reflective Journal: “Think of a viral post you encountered. Which techniques did it use?”

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spot the manipulation Download

What is misinformation?

1 / 10

What is the role of echo chambers in the spread of misinformation?

They reduce the exposure of fake news to like-minded groups.

They reinforce belief in misinformation by limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.

They help debunk false news within small communities

2 / 10

How does social consensus influence misinformation belief?

Consensus among experts reduces the need for personal evaluation.

Disagreement among peers strengthens belief in personal opinions.

People are more likely to believe a claim if they think it is widely accepted.

3 / 10

What is the main difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is unintentional; disinformation is intentional.

Misinformation only includes rumors; disinformation includes all falsehoods.

Misinformation is humorous; disinformation is always malicious

4 / 10

What is the goal of “scientific window-dressing” (formulas, graphs, brain images)?

To create an impression of scientific legitimacy and increase perceived credibility.

To simplify complex scientific findings for the general public.

To ensure the information aligns with the scientific consensus.

5 / 10

What is greenwashing?

Misleading consumers about the environmental impact of a product through vague claims or nature imagery.

Providing scientifically accurate environmental data that may be difficult for consumers to interpret.

Encouraging consumers to recycle more by using positive environmental messages.

6 / 10

What distinguishes scientific misinformation from other types of misinformation?

It contradicts the best available scientific evidence or consensus.

It always involves fabricated laboratory data.

It only appears in academic publications.

7 / 10

Which misinformation prevention strategy is most effective?

Retractions issued after misinformation spreads widely.

Prebunking through early warnings or weakened examples of misinformation.

Detailed fact-checking of each claim in real time.

8 / 10

Why do people often trust misinformation shared by friends more than official sources?

We believe that our friends have more expertise than institutions.

We perceive our friends as more credible due to our close relationships.

Friends always provide supporting evidence for their claims.

9 / 10

Why filter bubbles are formed on social media?

Because users constantly search for opposing views to challenge their beliefs.

Because algorithms show content based on prior engagement, limiting exposure to diverse information

Because news outlets randomly distribute content to all users equally.

10 / 10

Why corrections often fail to reduce the influence of misinformation?

People tend to remember the correction more vividly than the misinformation.

Corrections are usually ignored.

Misinformation continues to influence beliefs even after a correction is given.

Your score is

The average score is 83%

Return to the course overview

go to the next module

Disinformation Techniques

Module 1

Combating Online Misinformation to Prevent Radicalisation of Vulnerable Adults

Learning Goal:

Lessons

1.1. Typology of Disinformation

1.2. Propaganda and Persuasion Techniques

1.3.Information Ecosystems

1.4. Case Studies

1.5. Interactive simulation

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