Misinformation Dilemma Scenario (VJI-M5-01-EN)

• To enhance the participants’ knowledge of ethics
• To apply ethical considerations to real-world scenarios involving misinformation

• Students
• Adolescent youth

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

• Start with a brief discussion on the ethical implications of misinformation, emphasizing the impact it can have on individuals and society.
• Introduce the concept of ethical decision-making and its importance in the context of information dissemination.

2. Scenario Presentation (15 minutes):

• Present participants with a series of hypothetical scenarios related to misinformation. These scenarios should involve situations where individuals must make ethical decisions about sharing or debunking information. Inspiration of such hypothetical scenarios can be found in
• Participants can read these scenarios individually or in small groups.

3. Group Discussion (20 minutes):

• Divide participants into small groups and ask them to discuss the ethical considerations presented in the scenarios. Encourage them to explore factors such as truthfulness, potential harm, and the responsibility of individuals in addressing misinformation.
• Each group should use sticky notes to jot down key ethical considerations.

4. Group Presentation (15 minutes):

• Each group presents their analysis of the ethical considerations in their assigned scenario. Use a whiteboard or flip chart to capture the main points.
• Encourage open discussion and exploration of different perspectives within the larger group.

5. Debrief and Analysis (10 minutes):

• Facilitate a debriefing session where you discuss the common themes and differences in ethical considerations across scenarios.
• Encourage participants to reflect on the challenges of making ethical decisions in the context of misinformation.

6. Application Exercise (10 minutes):

• Provide a real-world example of misinformation and ask participants to individually or in pairs apply the ethical considerations discussed in the scenarios to analyze the given situation. Inspiration for such a real-world case can be found in
• Encourage participants to share their insights during a brief discussion.

7. Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Summarize key ethical considerations discussed during the activity and emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making in the face of misinformation.
• Provide additional resources on media ethics and responsible information sharing.

• Printed or digital copies of the scenarios
• White board
• Markers
• Sticky notes
• Timer

• Scenario-based learning
• Group discussion
• Application exercise

• Set the tone for this activity: there are no absolute answers. The activity exists to explore diverse perspectives and ethical considerations.
• Try to guide the students in the right directions, without imposing your own opinions.

Inspired by:

Hansen, A. (n.d.). “Everyone Else Does It!” Ethics Project. http://hhsmrshansen.weebly.com/uploads/8/5/1/1/8511706/ethics-everyone-else-does-it.pdf

United nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (n.d.). Solving ethical dilemmas. The Doha Declaration: Promoting a Culture of Lawfulness. https://www.unodc.org/documents/e4j/FunCorner/ZorbLessonPlans/Zorbs_Solving_ethical_dilemmas.pdf

Hypothetical examples of false information scenarios:

Viral Health Claim:

• Scenario: A social media post claims that eating a specific fruit every day can cure a common illness. The post includes personal testimonials but lacks scientific evidence.
• Ethical Considerations: Participants should discuss the responsibility of individuals in sharing health-related information, potential harm caused by false health claims, and the importance of verifying information before sharing.

Political Meme Misinterpretation:

• Scenario: A meme circulates online, featuring a politician in a compromising situation. However, the image is taken out of context, and the meme misrepresents the actual events.
• Ethical Considerations: Participants analyze the potential impact of misrepresenting public figures, the responsibility of social media users to fact-check before sharing, and the ethical implications of spreading false narratives.

Product Endorsement Hoax:

• Scenario: A fake celebrity endorsement video for a popular product goes viral. The video claims the celebrity swears by the product's effectiveness, but it's later revealed to be a well-executed hoax.
• Ethical Considerations: Participants discuss the impact of false product endorsements on consumer trust, the responsibility of content creators to verify information, and the potential legal consequences of spreading false claims.

Conspiracy Theory Video:

• Scenario: A YouTube video promotes a conspiracy theory alleging that a recent natural disaster was caused intentionally. The video uses manipulated footage and misleading narratives to support its claims.
• Ethical Considerations: Participants explore the potential harm caused by conspiracy theories, the responsibility of content platforms in moderating misinformation, and the ethical challenges of balancing freedom of expression with the prevention of harm.

False Emergency Information:

• Scenario: A message circulates on social media claiming a local emergency, such as a chemical spill or a dangerous animal on the loose. The information is later confirmed to be false, causing unnecessary panic and disruption.
• Ethical Considerations: Participants discuss the impact of false emergency information on public safety, the responsibility of individuals to verify and cross-check information before sharing, and the potential legal consequences of spreading false alarms.

Real world example of false information:

Example Scenario: Pizzagate

Background: During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a conspiracy theory known as Pizzagate gained traction on social media and various online platforms. The theory falsely claimed that high-ranking officials, including members of the Democratic Party, were involved in a child sex-trafficking ring operating out of the basement of a pizza restaurant called Comet Ping Pong in Washington, D.C.

Misinformation Components:

1. False Accusations: The conspiracy theory made baseless accusations against individuals and the restaurant, alleging criminal activities without any credible evidence.
2. Social Media Amplification: The misinformation spread rapidly through social media platforms, with users sharing and promoting the false claims.
3. Real-World Consequences: The Pizzagate conspiracy theory led to a real-world incident when an individual, influenced by the misinformation, entered the restaurant with a firearm, firing shots but ultimately not injuring anyone.

Application Exercise: Ask participants to analyze the ethical considerations involved in the spread and impact of the Pizzagate misinformation. Encourage them to consider the following questions:

4. Truthfulness: How did the spread of false information contribute to the Pizzagate conspiracy theory? What were the consequences of these false accusations?
5. Harm: What harm resulted from the misinformation? How did it impact the individuals and businesses involved, both online and offline?
6. Responsibility: Who bears responsibility for the misinformation, and how might ethical decision-making have mitigated the spread of false claims?

Participants can discuss and reflect on these questions to apply the ethical considerations discussed earlier in the activity. This example allows them to explore the real-world consequences of misinformation and consider the importance of ethical decision-making in addressing such issues.

VJI