Evaluate your sources better - this is how you can dispel the myth of false information
The campaign consists of AI-manipulated and animated images of Lake Mälaren with Västerås in the background. Around Utter Inn, a couple of sharks are circling. True or false?
Currently, a campaign is underway targeting all residents of Västerås. The purpose is to increase awareness about disinformation. Disinformation is about spreading false information with the intention to mislead, confuse or manipulate the recipient.
If you get angry, scared or stressed - you are more easily fooled
Disinformation uses psychological tricks to make us more gullible. When we become stressed, worried, scared or angry, we also become more easily fooled. Then it is easier for us to believe something that we otherwise wouldn’t. Furthermore, false information is often embedded in completely true information, which makes the stories easier to believe and harder to debunk.
Exposing false information
You can use this checklist:
- Where does the information come from? Is it a credible individual?
- Where is the information located? Is it published on a credible site?
- Why are you being informed about this? Will someone benefit from you believing in the information? If you become scared, worried or angry by the information, it is even more important that you verify the credibility.
- Check with more sources. Is this true? If you find more sources, make sure they don't refer to one another.
Disinformation harms trust and creates false rumours
The goal of disinformation may be to influence people's opinions, create confusion, damage someone's reputation, or promote a specific agenda. Disinformation can occur in various formats, including fake news, incorrect information, distorted facts, and propaganda. The campaign against disinformation will make the residents of Västerås more aware and critical of sources.
About the campaign
The campaign consists of AI-manipulated and animated images of Lake Mälaren with Västerås in the background. Around Utter Inn, a couple of sharks are circling. The campaign will be visible on signs in town, on the operators' websites, and social media. Our hope is that we will get the attention of Västerås residents and that they become interested in being source-critical.
The campaign has been developed in collaboration with:
Bostads AB Mimer, Mälardalen University, Mälarenergi, Mälarhamnar AB, Vafabmiljö, Västerås Airport, Västerås City and Räddningstjänsten Mälardalen.