Factitious

Website

Factitious

Founded in 2017

This tool intended to build user skills in identifying false information in a gameified format. Using a Tinder-like format, players swipe left or right depending on if they think the news presented is real or fake. Users can get hints by looking at the source of the article. Players earn points and can progress through several levels.

Factitious is not affiliated with RAND. It was selected for this database because it fits our researchers' inclusion criteria.

Tool type

Education/training

Status

Fully operational

Intended users

General public

Cost

Free

Tool focus

This tool is content-focused. It directly evaluates information, such as the authenticity of a photo.

Method or technology

Online course or game

Is the tool automated?

Yes

Founding organization

American University Game Lab

Founder/primary contact

Maggie Farley

How is this tool working to address disinformation?

This tool aims to fight disinformation by creating a cohort of more media literate information consumers who are able to identify and avoid false information online.

Is there a connection with tech platforms?

None found

Who is funding the tool?

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Are there external evaluations?

None found