The News Evaluator
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Vetenskap & Allmänhet Va |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 975 000 |
| Project duration | May 2018 - December 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Research has shown that anyone can be fooled by falsified news regardless of whether you are a child, teenager or a university professor. The News Evaluator is a digital tool for learning an evidence-based method for online source criticism. The tool consists of a self-test which can be used by anyone, and an in-depth educational feature for schools. In the in-depth feature, pupils collaborate to review news from their own news feeds, or from a selection made by the teacher. The News Evaluator is free to use for schools and the public.
Expected results and effects
Fake news is used as a method to spread incorrect information on topics that may be crucial for both the individual person and for society as a whole. The Covid-19 pandemic is a current example, with an ‘infodemic’ of incorrect information and lies following in its wake. The News Evaluator has a scientifically proven effect for improving the users’ source critical abilities. When used in schools, it will contribute to boosting pupils’ resistance to fake news encountered online. Members of the public can also use the tool to improve their online source criticism skills.
Planned approach and implementation
The News Evaluator is a research-based tool for learning online source criticism. Along with emerging results from the project’s scientific studies, the tool has undergone profound changes during the course of the project. This trial-and-error approach has been successful, but also demanding in terms of time and work. The development of the News Evaluator has since the initial phases of the project in 2017 been carried out in close collaboration with teachers and pupils in Swedish schools. Their engagement and support have been crucial to the project’s success.