Only 4% of people have the skills to consistently spot misinformation, yet false claims are believed 75% of the time. Project Real develops tailored, co-created interventions—lesson plans, training modules, and digital resources—to help young people and adults in schools, charities, and businesses recognise and resist false information across health, politics, and finance. This matters because most existing resources are generic, outdated, or not grounded in research. Teachers often create their own materials without evidence-based support, while businesses focus on cybersecurity but overlook threats like deepfakes and generative AI. The project fills that gap by designing interventions with end-users—educators, students, charity workers, and police—ensuring the tools are relevant and effective. If successful, Project Real could reduce the spread of harmful misinformation in everyday settings: classrooms where young people form their worldview, workplaces where trust and decision-making depend on accurate information, and charities whose missions are undermined by false claims. The project already has strong demand—its website has attracted over 47,000 organic visits—and established partnerships with Education Scotland and Police Scotland, giving it a clear path to real-world impact.
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Misinformation is shaping beliefs and behaviours in health, politics, society, and finances. Statistics show that misinformation is believed 75% of the time, yet only 4% of people have the skills to consistently identify it. The World Economic Forum predicts that misinformation will soon become the number one global risk. Project Real addresses this urgent issue by equipping people with tools and confidence to recognize misinformation across diverse domains. Vision We aim to empower people to identify and respond to misinformation, enabling them to make better choices and help reduce its spread. By helping individuals clean up our online environment and respond effectively to false information, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change. Through co-creation with stakeholders, we design practical interventions that make a real-world difference. These resources enhance critical thinking and information literacy while fostering a more informed, resilient society where harmful misinformation no longer thrives. Objectives Develop and deliver tailored interventions to schools, charities, and businesses to combat misinformation. Co-create engaging, research-informed resources with stakeholders to ensure relevance and impact. Address misinformation challenges across diverse sectors, including education, law enforcement, and business. Areas of Focus Education: Teachers often create lessons on misinformation but may lack research-based or co-created materials. We collaborate with educators and students to create effective, relatable resources. Charities: Many organizations rely on outdated or ineffective interventions. Partnering with charities, we create tools aligned with their missions, enhancing their impact. Businesses: Most companies focus on cybersecurity but overlook modern threats like deepfakes and generative AI. Project Real offers engaging, up-to-date solutions tailored to their needs. Why It’s Important Misinformation undermines trust, fuels extremism, and influences behaviours in harmful ways. Online, we are particularly vulnerable to cognitive shortcuts that make us more likely to believe false information. Project Real encourages systematic thinking, helping people evaluate content critically and avoid being misled. The impacts of misinformation are widespread: In schools, it shapes young people’s understanding of the world. In workplaces, it affects decision-making and trust. In charities, it undermines efforts to tackle societal issues. By addressing these challenges at their root, Project Real contributes to a more informed and resilient society. Why It Will Succeed Proven Demand: Our website has attracted over 47,000 organic visits, highlighting the need for resources. Teachers have shown strong interest in targeted, age-appropriate content. Established Partnerships: Collaborations with Education Scotland, Police Scotland, and The Melissa Institute enable us to create highly relevant, impactful materials. Research-Driven Approach: Co-creation ensures that our interventions are grounded in both academic research and real-world needs. Studies show that co-created resources are more effective and engaging. Tailored Solutions: Unlike generic safety courses, our interventions are customized to each organization’s unique challenges, increasing their effectiveness. The Path Forward Project Real leverages its strong foundation in research and collaboration to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues. While individuals often overestimate their ability to spot misinformation, organizations recognize its risks. By working directly with schools, charities, and businesses, we create interventions that make a tangible difference, helping society become more resilient to the harmful effects of misinformation.
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