Building Psychological Resistance Against False Information in Middle School through Digital Games

Abstract

The core concept of this thesis is the search for an innovative method to minimise the consequences of false information for middle school students. Since the integration of the internet and Social Media, information flow has changed drastically. Anyone can post, like, and forward information quickly, reaching all sides of the planet. The rise of false information threatens the values of democracy, confusing people with persuasive skills and thus makes it harder for the public to make decisions for the general good. According to the World Health Organization, sufficient misinformation can result in “confusion and risk-taking behaviours that can harm health (WHO n.d.).”

Through an examination of information disorder and existing measurements for addressing this issue, this thesis employs a method of game-based learning based on the “inoculation theory,” put forward by the Cambridge Social Decision-Making Lab at Cambridge University. This method is also known as prebunking or a “vaccine for the mind”, with the hope of building individuals’ psychological resistance to future exposure to persuasive attacks (McGuire 1961, cited by Compton 2013, 221). This practice-based research includes a production of the digital game, The City of Felines and Canines, accompanied by a Teaching Info Guide and a sample lesson plan for 9th grade students. These creative outcomes aim to demonstrate the possibility of incorporating game-based learning in lessons to help middle school students build psychological resistance to future persuasive attacks. In short, this paper includes three parts, the written component, a video game product, and a Teaching Info Guide.