D5. AI tools and disinformation
55. How a UK teenager falls victim to cyberbullying
55. How a UK teenager falls victim to cyberbullying In the UK, online harassment becomes rampant, particularly on forums and gaming platforms. Fourteen years old Mia becomes a victim of cyberbullying – humiliating comments and intimidation via insults and threats – on a popular gaming site, GameSphere. Individual outcomes Mia suffers from psychological problems -…
Read More53. How an influencer push to promote a diet puts people at risk
53. How an influencer push to promote a diet puts people at risk In Australia, public trust in scientific authorities diminishes due to the spread of misinformation about scientific research. A viral internet trend, started by influencer Kayla Jenner, promotes a diet based on unscientific principles. Dr. Liam Bennett, a respected nutritionist, struggles to counteract…
Read More51. How Unrealistic Standards Impact Adolescent Well-being in the United States
51: How Unrealistic Standards Impact Adolescent Well-being in the United States In the United States, teenagers experience increased anxiety and depression linked to social media use. Platforms like InstaLife and SnapWorld promote unrealistic lifestyles and beauty standards. Adolescents, like 16-year-old Emily from California, struggle with self-esteem and body image issues. Individual outcomes Emily faces mental…
Read More47. How a Tech Entrepreneur’s Diet Claims Impact Public Health in California
47: How a Tech Entrepreneur’s Diet Claims Impact Public Health in California In California, a well-known tech entrepreneur, Alex, publicly endorses a pseudoscientific diet that claims to boost cognitive abilities. His endorsement leads to widespread popularity of the diet, despite a lack of scientific evidence. Individual outcomes Alex’s reputation suffers as he becomes an object…
Read More43. How Online Misinformation Can Harm Teenagers on Social Media Platforms
43. How Online Misinformation Can Harm Teenagers on Social Media Platforms A teenager in Australia, Emma, posts personal information and casual photos and personal information with her friends on a social media platform. Unbeknownst to her, these images and information are used for creating fake profiles and cyberbullying. Individual outcomes Emma and her friends become…
Read More39. How a Blog’s Misinformation Influences Public Opinion in Australia
39. How a Blog’s Misinformation Influences Public Opinion in Australia In Australia, a group of people, influenced by a popular blog that dismisses climate change, organizes a large rally against environmental regulations. The blog, run by a self-proclaimed expert, uses manipulated data to support their claims, leading followers to disregard scientific consensus. Individual outcomes Followers…
Read More37. How Generational Gaps in News Consumption Create Conflicts in Japanese Households
37. How Generational Gaps in News Consumption Create Conflicts in Japanese Households While digital media use is on the rise among all age groups, in a multi-generational household in Japan, conflicts arise between teenagers and their grandparents over news consumption and interpretation. The teenagers, adept at digital platforms, often encounter and share sensationalised news, while…
Read More35. How the Exorcism Movement Preys on Vulnerable Populations in Brazil
35. How the Exorcism Movement Preys on Vulnerable Populations in Brazil In Brazil, the rise of the exorcism movement where pseudo religious and self-proclaimed charismatic spiritual leaders like Pastor Miguel Santos, exploit vulnerable populations by performing exorcism rituals for financial gain. The movement, promoted heavily on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, uses manipulated videos and…
Read More33. How a Disinformation Campaign Sparks Protests in a German Town
33. How a Disinformation Campaign Sparks Protests in a German Town In 2024, a small town in Germany becomes the epicenter of violent protests fueled by disinformation about immigration policies, spread through a local online forum. The misinformation campaign is traced back to a radical group using clusters of fake accounts. Individual outcomes Local residents,…
Read More25. How a Disinformation Campaign Divides Metropia in 2027
25. How a Disinformation Campaign Divides Metropia in 2027 In the large metropolitan city of Metropia in 2027, a political disinformation campaign leads to widespread social isolation and polarization. A fabricated story about a political scandal, spread by a group known as “TruthNow,” creates rifts within communities and families. Local resident David Chen finds his…
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