The third objective is to show youngsters different forms of manipulation and explain how they work. After an introduction and a selection of manipulation methodologies youngsters are working with the previously learned content in this module: First, they are shown how the different psychological traits are exploited by different manipulation methods. Second, they get an insight into the business models of social media platforms and of data brokers and realise how personalised advertising and political campaigning is working.
They understand how these business models are amplifying the spread of “fake news” and what effect this has on the society and real-world politics. Third, they learn how orchestrated manipulation campaigns as well as traditional forms of propaganda are working. In this context, youngsters are presented an excellent real-world example for a successful political campaign via social media: The Cambridge Analytica scandal that crucially impacted on both the Brexit referendum in Great Britain and the US presidential elections in 2016.