M6. Claim verification
56. How misinformation leads to inadequate natural disaster preparations for a family in Manila
56. How misinformation leads to inadequate natural disaster preparations for a family in Manila In the Philippines, absence of reliable official information combined with wild circulation of false information and narratives downplaying the risks from an impending typhoon leads to inadequate preparation and response. The misinformation, spread through local social media channels, causes confusion among…
Read More52. How a Japanese business owner panics amidst rumour-driven bank run
52. How a Japanese business owner panics amidst rumour-driven bank run In Japan, a false rumour about a major bank’s insolvency spreads rapidly online, leading to a bank run. Misinformation propagated by anonymous sources on platforms like TradeChat and MoneyBuzz creates panic among investors, including small business owner Hiroshi Takahashi. Individual outcomes Hiroshi faces financial…
Read More49: How Different Media Sources Strain Relationships in a Canadian Family
49: How Different Media Sources Strain Relationships in a Canadian Family In a Canadian family, political arguments fueled by misinformation from different media sources lead to strained relationships. The daughter, a university student, and her father, a retired mechanic, find themselves unable to communicate due to polarised views. Individual outcomes The family experiences emotional distress…
Read More48. How Misinformation Sparks Unnecessary Public Outrage in France
48: How Misinformation Sparks Unnecessary Public Outrage in France In France, a group of citizens, misled by a viral social media campaign, organizes a large protest against a non-existent government surveillance program. Individual outcomes The protestors, like 38-year-old Jeanne, waste time and resources on a non-issue, causing public disturbance, vandalism, damage and destruction to public…
Read More41. How Online Misinformation Leads to Serious Complications in London
41. How Online Misinformation Leads to Serious Complications in London John, a 45-year-old from London, opts for a kidney transplant in a clinic in Thailand, lured by the promise of lower costs advertised on a seemingly reputable medical tourism website. The surgery leads to serious complications due to poorly performed operation and lack of immediate…
Read More40. How Online Misinformation Leads to Health Anxiety and False Alarms
40. How Online Misinformation Leads to Health Anxiety and False Alarms Sarah, a 28-year-old in Toronto, spends hours online researching symptoms for a minor headache. She stumbles upon forums and websites suggesting serious illnesses, leading her to believe she has a rare neurological disorder. Individual outcomes Sarah experiences increased anxiety and depression, leading to her…
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 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 More31. How a False Claim Sparks Nationwide Panic Buying of Flu Drugs
31. How a False Claim Sparks Nationwide Panic Buying of Flu Drugs In 2022, a famous influencer, Jenna Thompson, based in Los Angeles, falsely promotes a herbal supplement as a miracle cure for a new strain of flu on her social media platforms. Her significant following leads to panic buying across the United States, particularly…
Read More29. How a Bogus Treatment Spreads in Healthville
29. How a Bogus Treatment Spreads in Healthville In 2024, residents of the city of Healthville are misled by online medical advice from unverified sources. A blog post by a self-proclaimed health expert, Dr. Linda Smith, claiming a new “miracle cure” for cancer, goes viral. This leads to patients like John Miller disregarding professional medical…
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