Click or Think? How to Spot Misinformation and Online Manipulation

Not sure what to believe online? Concerned about misinformation, AI deepfakes and online manipulation? Want to feel more confident about what you see, click and share?

As part of Get Online Week, join us for this free, practical and interactive 2-hour workshop exploring misinformation and the different ways online content can influence what we think, feel and do.

From misleading headlines and manipulated images to AI-generated content and emotionally charged social media posts, it can be increasingly difficult to know what – and who – to trust online.

During the workshop, you’ll explore how false and misleading information spreads, the consequences it can have, and some of the techniques used to attract our attention and influence our reactions.

You’ll learn practical ways to:

• spot misinformation and potentially manipulated content
• recognise misleading headlines, images and AI-generated material
• identify techniques designed to influence your emotions or behaviour
• pause and think critically before clicking, reacting or sharing
• check information and sources
• help friends and family engage more critically with what they encounter online

The session will include practical examples and discussion, giving you tools to spot, resist and challenge misinformation and online manipulation and navigate the online world with greater confidence.

No specialist knowledge is needed and everyone is welcome.