Fighting Fake News with MEDMAS

Did you know that up to 60% of young people struggle to distinguish fake news from reliable information? Nowadays, fake news hides more cleverly beneath the overwhelming torrent of content on social media. It has never been so difficult to unmask it and separate fact from fiction. Fortunately, that’s exactly what the MEDMAS project aims to tackle: educating young people in techniques to identify fake news through cleverly designed gamification.

Our Ikigai Institute had the pleasure of participating in this project and organized a stimulating and thought-provoking workshop with 56 attendees, including students and professors from ESIC University, in Zaragoza, Spain, on May 21, 2025.

The workshop focused on combating misinformation, providing students with practical tools for critical thinking. All activities were designed to offer a dynamic and engaging learning experience that made complex topics accessible and appealing.

The event began with a powerful and dynamic talk by Eduardo Sánchez Salcedo, an experienced and passionate journalist, and professor of communication and political marketing at San Jorge University. He explained how fake news spreads on social media and detailed the significant impact misinformation has on young people and European democracy. Supported by images and music, he demonstrated key techniques to recognize false information, especially content targeted at young Europeans.

In this context, our team presented the goals and methodology of the project to give participants a clear understanding of MEDMAS and its board game. After a simple explanation of the rules and objectives, students were invited to form teams, roll the dice, and take on the challenges. Soon, groups gathered around the tables, discussing, debating, and celebrating each success. They weren’t just playing — they were thinking, questioning, and collaborating. The energy in the room reached its peak.

The MEDMAS board game successfully integrates media literacy skills into its gameplay, encouraging participants to think twice before believing what they read online. It offers a valuable opportunity to learn through play, enhances young adults’ critical thinking, and inspires a path toward self-discovery and self-empowerment.