Life Skills
Disinformation
Disinformation is designed to mislead—and its effects can be powerful. In this short explainer, you’ll learn how false information is spread to influence opinions and decisions, and how one town’s vote was manipulated by lies disguised as truth. You’ll also gain practical tips for detecting, avoiding and stopping disinformation before it spreads.
What's About
When people disagree, decisions should be based on a shared understanding of facts. But what happens when facts are deliberately twisted? This video tells the story of Fernville and Treetown, two neighboring communities divided over a bridge project. What begins as a policy debate turns into something more dangerous: a deliberate attempt by Treetown leaders to fool Fernville residents using false information.
By creating fake articles and documents that looked trustworthy, Treetown launches a disinformation campaign—false information shared with the goal of deceiving. The campaign works. Fernville residents are misled and vote against their own interests, believing the bridge would cost far more than it actually would.
This story shows how disinformation can undermine trust, distort public opinion, and manipulate people without them realizing it. The video then shares ways to recognize disinformation, including questioning provocative claims, researching the source, and sticking to trusted outlets like respected newspapers or journalists.
By learning how to detect and avoid disinformation, viewers are better prepared to protect themselves—and others—from being misled.
By creating fake articles and documents that looked trustworthy, Treetown launches a disinformation campaign—false information shared with the goal of deceiving. The campaign works. Fernville residents are misled and vote against their own interests, believing the bridge would cost far more than it actually would.
This story shows how disinformation can undermine trust, distort public opinion, and manipulate people without them realizing it. The video then shares ways to recognize disinformation, including questioning provocative claims, researching the source, and sticking to trusted outlets like respected newspapers or journalists.
By learning how to detect and avoid disinformation, viewers are better prepared to protect themselves—and others—from being misled.
What it Matters
Disinformation weakens our ability to make informed choices and trust reliable sources. This video helps learners understand how false information spreads, why it’s dangerous, and what steps they can take to protect against it. With critical thinking and better habits, anyone can become part of the solution.
By the end of this video, you’ll be able to:
- Explain how disinformation is used to influence opinions and decisions.
- Understand why disinformation campaigns are harmful to individuals and communities.
- Recognize signs of disinformation, including exaggerated or deceptive claims.
- Evaluate the credibility of a source before sharing its information.
- Take steps to avoid spreading disinformation, even unintentionally.
By the end of this video, you’ll be able to:
- Explain how disinformation is used to influence opinions and decisions.
- Understand why disinformation campaigns are harmful to individuals and communities.
- Recognize signs of disinformation, including exaggerated or deceptive claims.
- Evaluate the credibility of a source before sharing its information.
- Take steps to avoid spreading disinformation, even unintentionally.
Standards Aligned
- ISTE Standard: Knowledge Constructor 3b
- ACRL Info Literacy Frame: Information Has Value
Part o the course: Smarter Search
Cut through the noise with critical thinking skills. Learn how to spot credible sources, detect bias, and navigate academic research with confidence.
View course