Let’s welcome Harmony Square’s newest Chief Disinformation Officer: you! Harmony Square is a gamified application of the disinformation inoculation theory. The theory supposes that exposing people to fake news tactics before they find them in the wild makes them better equipped to filter disinformation from the truth. Harmony Square lets you play around with disinformation tactics in a safe space by creating fake news that will divide the residents of Harmony Square. It seems to be working, as people who play the game are 20% better at pointing out fake tweets. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
