Myth Detector Lab: Busting myths with verification in Georgia

Approach

The verification approach consists of four stages: identify, deconstruct, track transparency of sources and explain what propaganda methods were used. After gaining considerable experience with propaganda methods, the Myth Detector team decided to develop a program that enabled young people to gain media literacy and put their newfound knowledge to the test by identifying, deconstructing, tracking and explaining fabricated stories. 

Outcomes

From 2016, the Media Development Foundation (MDF) began cooperation with the EU's East StratCom Task force, set up to address Russia's ongoing disinformation campaigns, particularly in Eastern Europe. MDF's fact-checking portal Myth Detector is a partner of Atlantic Council's online DisinfoPortal.  

Myth Detector Lab participants come from a mainly non-journalistic background. The young people get the chance to produce their own multimedia content and fact-checking articles. Lab alumni become multipliers and promote media literacy outside the Lab classrooms. 

Partners

• Media Development Foundation (MDF) 
• DW Akademie 
• East StratCom Task Force  
• DisinfoPortal – an online guide to learn about the Kremlin's disinformation campaigns 

Links

• Myth Detector  
• Media Development Foundation Georgia
• Media and Information Literacy: Projects, Trends and Perspectives