Information analysis protocol

The activity is performed in 4 steps. The trainer does not initially introduce any contents: they do not mention conspiracy theories, or enter into discussions about what is (supposed to be) true or false. They ask questions, introduce interesting examples, help learners to keep trace of what is being said and support them to formalise their work.

1) Group discussion about the use of the Internet

Each participant gives examples.

Uses are listed on a blackboard.

2) Group discussion about information

The trainer asks questions to encourage and stimulate discussion.

Can we categorise information? What are the possible categories?

Criteria for categorisation are listed on a blackboard.

Example of possible categorisations:

• information received / information sought / information transmitted.
• factual information / commented, contextualized / opinion.
• who produces information / authorship.
• types of sites or media that transmit information (institutional site, administration, government, EU, association, lobby, commercial site, traditional media with online version...)
• text, image, drawing, computer graphics, video or recording.
• level of information (first hand, second hand, difficult to identify)
• tone of information (language level, formulations...)
• ...

[Digression possible on anonymity, interest and limits, ambivalence, protection strategy, conservation, equality, trolling.]

3) Group discussion about what are we searching for through information

Why are we looking for information? Why do we receive it? Why are we going to absorb it, to process it? What do we want to do with it?

What are our motivations?

What is our attitude towards information?

Do we produce information? Do we consume information? Do we circulate information?

Do we have any fears regarding information? Is it possible that we are at risk?

Lexicon: knowledge, exchange, critical analysis, credulity, manipulation, analysis, sense of belonging to a group, influence, personal values, differentiation, initiation, rejection of the system, social integration, correlation and causality, truth, evidence, facts and beliefs, etc.

4) Elaboration of a protocol

"I determine five points or steps to check that I am not manipulated by a piece of information.”

This task can be done is smaller groups so that 3 or 4 different protocols can be produced and discussed with the full group.