The internet is flooded with information, but not all of it is reliable. Messages are shared through social media, news sites, messaging apps and email, often without verification. A single fake message can spread rapidly and cause significant impact — both privately and within organisations.
In the e-learning Real or Fake Message?, employees learn how misleading information works and why people are so susceptible to it. The course explains why the term fake news is too narrow and instead uses the broader concept of disinformation: information that is intentionally or unintentionally misleading.
The course shows why disinformation is so effective. It triggers emotions such as fear, outrage or urgency. Social media platforms and algorithms amplify this effect by promoting content that generates engagement, often creating filter bubbles that reinforce existing beliefs.
Through realistic examples and two story-driven videos, participants see how fake messages spread:
- in a business environment, where a false takeover rumour causes internal disruption
- in a private setting, where fake news about a virus leads to panic and mass sharing
The course distinguishes between multiple forms of misleading information, including:
- fake news
- propaganda
- conspiracy theories
- poor journalism
- hate speech
- framing
- satire and memes
- phishing
A key focus is critical thinking. Participants learn to ask three essential questions:
- Is the information fact-based?
- Is it objective?
- Are reliable sources mentioned?
The course also explains why sensational headlines (clickbait), unknown authors and missing sources are strong warning signs. Consulting multiple news sources is presented as an effective way to verify information and avoid manipulation.
The course concludes with a clear message: not everything needs to be shared. By pausing, checking sources and thinking critically, employees avoid becoming part of the disinformation problem themselves.
What will participants learn?
After completing this course, participants will:
- understand what disinformation and fake news are
- recognise different types of misleading information
- know how social media amplifies disinformation
- distinguish reliable and unreliable sources
- apply critical thinking to online messages
- know when not to share information
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for:
- all employees who consume or share online information
- organisations aiming to prevent reputational damage and internal unrest
- teams using social media and email professionally
- employees without journalistic or technical backgrounds
Why this course is relevant right now
Disinformation influences behaviour, decision-making and trust. Teaching employees to critically assess information reduces the risk of panic, reputational harm and successful phishing attacks.