The term "fake news" has largely (and rightfully) been discredited because, at best, it's simplistic and, at worst, used to dismiss or discredit legitimate news providers. But there is such a thing as real fake news: misinformation and disinformation that goes viral in this digital age and then leads to real tragedy. So the "Blue Whale" story is no longer about "fake news," and we're now at the … [Read more...] about When ‘fake news’ becomes real: What next with ‘Blue Whale’?
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Core concern: ‘Blue Whale’ & the social norms research
June 11, 2017, adding an update in the form of author, journalist and game designer Andrea Angiolino's response to sensationalist tabloid "coverage" in Italy of a new arrest in Russia – see the first sidebar below. My first post on the "Blue Whale challenge" was published March 13 here. Much has happened since then in a number of countries, so an update is in order, but I hope you agree that the … [Read more...] about Core concern: ‘Blue Whale’ & the social norms research
Reasons why ’13 Reasons Why’ demands discussion
By now, if you live or work with young people, you've probably heard about "13 Reasons Why," Netflix's dramatic series about a teenager's suicide. Based on a Young Adult book of the same title, the series – now a hot topic at schools in the U.S. and other countries – needs discussing. On one hand, it exposes issues today's high school students often face (among them, depression, bullying, … [Read more...] about Reasons why ’13 Reasons Why’ demands discussion
‘Blue Whale’ game: ‘Fake news’ about teens spread internationally
[Thank you to all commenters on this post! I've just posted an update (5/17/17) that I hope you'll read before commenting further here.] It has been reported as real news here in the U.S. in recent weeks, just as it was earlier in eastern Europe, and what a dark, disrespectful message it sends about young people in any country. I'm talking about coverage of the so-called "Blue Whale suicide … [Read more...] about ‘Blue Whale’ game: ‘Fake news’ about teens spread internationally
How to choose (or make!) an anti-bullying video that helps
Recently a graduate student was given the assignment to find videos on YouTube that are "helpful to kids in confronting bullying." The criteria given the student were: Make sure the video… 1. presents accurate information about both the problem and what bullying is (sometimes behavior's just rude or mean, not bullying) 2. is made by kids for kids 3. shows kids standing up for … [Read more...] about How to choose (or make!) an anti-bullying video that helps