Recently, I completed“The Fake News Game” here. The object of the game was to become an expert propagandist. Points were accrued in the form of followers on Twitter. The game begins with a prompt to post a frustrated tweet and they give you a couple options to choose from. I chose a tweet complaining about the government and instantly gained a few followers. I then was able to choose between faking an official twitter account or impersonating someone in important. I chose to impersonate someone in important because I thought it would be easier to get attention that way. The fake account I had just had the name spelled slightly differently this is often how people get tricked online by fake accounts.
Since I had established some credibility it was time for me to choose between making a fake news site or a blog. I chose a fake news site and then chose the name “Honest Truth Online”. As progressed through the game I was prompted to write fake stories, create conspiracy theories, and discredit individuals. My headlines used a lot of conjecture and at some points straight up lies. These tactics allowed me to gain more followers and different “badges” as the game went on. This game showed me exactly how “fake news” is made. The inside look helped me understand the different tactics that can be used to spread disinformation that people will believe. By the end of the game I had gained credibility and 11,021 loyal followers!