fake_news.md

Tech and Fake News

Session Outcomes

• Be aware of what tech organizations are doing (facebook, news organizations)
• Identify motives behind fake news, profit vs. political sway
• Be aware of traditional news fact checking and processes

Outline

• 10 minutes: intro
• 10 minutes: Facticious game and videos
• 20 minutes: Pro/Con group discussion
• 10 minutes: whole group dicussion
• 10 minutes: reflection

Intro

We've all heard the term "fake news" a lot lately. What does that term mean? What is tech's role in fake news? What is our role as developers related to fake news?

Introductions - name, cohort, craziest fake news story you've heard/seen

Game and Video

• Facticious game
• Obama lip sync video
• 60 minues & twitter bots

Group discussions

• Break up into 2 groups - one pro censorship by tech companies distributing/creating fake news and one anti intervention by tech companies.
• Each group come up with 3 best arguments for your position and be prepared to discuss in the whole group.

Class discussion

• Each group will discuss their reasons for/against.

Reflection Questions

• What would you do if you were at a company that was involved in fake news?
• What obligation do you think that tech companies have in moderating fake news?

Additional links

• http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/04/03/522503844/how-russian-twitter-bots-pumped-out-fake-news-during-the-2016-election
• https://www.ted.com/talks/stephanie_busari_how_fake_news_does_real_harm
• https://www.ted.com/talks/markham_nolan_how_to_separate_fact_and_fiction_online