Online Combat

Combating Online Misinformation to Prevent Radicalisation of Vulnerable Adults

How to Combat Disinformation

Module 5

Combating Online Misinformation to Prevent Radicalisation of Vulnerable Adults

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

Learning Goal:

Equip educators with evidence-based counterstrategies to resist and prevent the spread of false or manipulative content.

Lessons

5.1. Pre-bunking and Debunking Strategies

Differentiating proactive (pre-bunking) and reactive (debunking) approaches.
Timing, tone, and framing for effective correction.

5.2. Fact-checking and Source Analysis

Verification methods (reverse image search, metadata analysis, cross-referencing).
Evaluating credibility and detecting deepfakes.

spot the manipulation Download

Case MH-17 Download

5.3.Media and Digital Competences

Integrating critical digital literacy into non-formal education.
Designing learner-centered activities to strengthen analytical thinking.

Module 5.1 Download

5.4. Policy and Platform-Based Approaches

EU policies on disinformation, transparency, and algorithm accountability.
Social media platform initiatives and challenges.

Policy and Platform-Based Approaches Download

5.5, Inoculation and Cognitive Immunisation Theory

Theoretical foundation: McGuire, van der Linden, and inoculation theory.
Practical prebunking tools and games (Bad News, Go Viral).

Module 5

1 / 10

What is debunking?

Removing misinformation from social media platforms.

Correcting misinformation after it has spread.

Highlighting the credibility of accurate sources.

2 / 10

What does emotional reframing aim to achieve in corrections?

To increase familiarity with the misinformation.

To reduce fear or anger associated with misinformation.

To challenge deeply held beliefs.

3 / 10

What is an example of prebunking?

Teaching audiences about fear-based disinformation tactics.

Posting fact-checks after misinformation spreads.

Removing false claims from social media.

4 / 10

Why is prebunking generally more effective than debunking?

It removes false content before anyone sees it.

It prevents misinformation effects before exposure.

It guarantees belief change after correction.

5 / 10

What is the “continued influence effect”?

People forget misinformation once it is corrected.

Misinformation continues to influence reasoning after correction.

Corrections strengthen trust in institutions.

6 / 10

Which factor explains why corrections can backfire?

Lack of access to accurate information.

Excessive use of emotional language in corrections.

Worldview defence and familiarity with repeated misinformation.

7 / 10

According to Inoculation Theory, what are the two core components of an inoculation message?

Threat and disproof

Education and correction

Warning and punishment

8 / 10

What is a key advantage of active inoculation compared to passive inoculation?

It targets only one specific false claim.

It allows people to generate their own counterarguments.

It eliminates the need for media literacy.

9 / 10

What is the primary learning mechanism in inoculation games?

Memorising correct facts.

Repeated exposure to debunking messages.

Learning misinformation techniques to recognise them later.

10 / 10

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive tool to fight misinformation?

Government regulation of content

Digital identity verification

Critical analysis of arguments

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

Return to course overview

go to the previous module

Sign up for our news and events