Science and Fake news : Understand and fight alternative truths

In the post-truth age, when news distrust has never been greater, “fake news” abounds. How to spot them? How to sort out facts and rumors? What are the reflexes to acquire to stop being abused? Images, source, publication date, route and virality, context… What space and what resources do scientists have? Should they participate in debates and how should they behave? How to calmly debate a scientific controversy in public space? Should scientists be in the classroom? All of these ingredients are reviewed to authenticate the veracity of content. Through this practical workshop (workshop for creating false information, study of distribution channels), students shape a methodological reading grid allowing them to decode with certainty what is factual and what can sometimes be used for propaganda purposes.

Students prerequisites

• Ethics workshops

« Scientific oral communication I » could be a good initiation

At the end of the workshop, the student will be able to unearth fake news and fight “fake news”: fact checking.

Location

Bacterial Chemistry Laboratory, Aiguier Campus, IM2B.