1. What is one new thing you learned about fake news or misinformation?
Among other things, I’ve increased my knowledge of its categories and characteristics, but what’s most relevant for me is how it spreads among the public. Besides appealing to emotions, whether positive (like joy or hope) or negative (like anger or fear), it plays on the idea that “it could be real,” making it difficult to distinguish between true and false information.
Furthermore, when combined with a lack of critical thinking and attention to detail, the “news,” images, and videos are quickly shared and believed. For this reason, everything must be verified and checked (with the appropriate tools) and not taken at face value, especially if it has been posted on social media and other platforms that do not follow a professional and/or ethical “protocol” or code regarding the veracity of the content. This is even more crucial considering the new artificial intelligence tools and how realistic their results can appear.
2. What did you enjoy the most while creating the board games?
The process itself. The exchange of ideas, the reciprocal feedback, the surprising examples each of us contributed, and how we surprised ourselves and each other.
In addition, the testing and feedback from other participants, especially our trainer, was stimulating, as it was a key part of refining and sharpening the ideas and achieving the final result.
The idea that it could become a real game beyond the project exercise—that is, that it could be expanded and played by others—was also very exciting.
3. What activity or moment from the project will you remember the most?
I couldn’t pick just one. There are several that I particularly enjoyed or found more enriching and interesting.
The line and color exercise (with paint) was unexpected and engaging.
Regarding fact-checking, the COVID-19 information verification activity was the most instructive, useful, and practical on the topic. As for making it fun and fostering collaboration, the game creation was outstanding.
And regarding the moment of connection and cultural enjoyment, the intercultural evening was perfect. I still remember the laughter and how much we enjoyed the dancing, the food, and the presentations.
4. How was it to work with people from 8 different countries?
Absolutely fantastic. Everything flowed smoothly, and at no point did I feel any barriers, despite the cultural differences, etc. The only challenge would be the language issue, since English is not our native language, but it adds an element of challenge that makes it more attractive given that the end result is overcoming obstacles and having increased our communication skills.
Overall, everything was dynamic, friendly, and socially and culturally engaging. It’s incredibly enriching because each person brings their own unique perspective, adding an extra layer of diversity (in the best sense of the word). This is especially amplified during the intercultural evenings, where you can experience a small part of each country and truly enjoy it.
This is one of the fundamental pillars of Erasmus+, making it one of the most wonderful experiences there is.
5. How will you use what you learned when you go back home?
In my daily life, I’m being more cautious with everything I see and read, using some fact-checking tools and techniques. I generally did this already, but with these new techniques, I can be more precise and thorough in verifying information so I’m not misled by what I see or read.
Furthermore, by sharing these new techniques and tools with others, if they use and apply them, the information will be more “reliable” in the sense that there will be more critical observers, making it harder for misinformation to spread.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
