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Year 7

The impact of fake information

I can describe some of the serious dangers caused by fake news.

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New
New
Year 7

The impact of fake information

I can describe some of the serious dangers caused by fake news.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Fake news can lead to acts of hatred.
  2. Fake news can lead to people becoming ill.
  3. Fake news can lead to people voting differently.
  4. It is important to verify information we read online.

Keywords

  • Disinformation - articles, videos or images that are untrue and are designed to confuse or mislead us

  • Misinformation - false or inaccurate information, getting the facts wrong

  • Polarisation - when opinions or groups become very different or opposite, with little common ground between them

  • Echo chamber - a place or situation where people only hear ideas they already agree with, so their beliefs are repeated and not challenged

  • Verify - to check if other people or websites confirm that certain information is true

Common misconception

Consuming fake news has no impact on real life.

Fake news can contain harmful and hateful disinformation. This can lead to hatred, health concerns and can influence elections.

Recommend some legitimate news sites where pupils can access trustworthy information.
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Teacher tip
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Equipment

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:motivation,the reason why someone does something
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the reason why someone does something

Correct Answer:online influencer,a person who uses social media to influence others
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a person who uses social media to influence others

Correct Answer:financial,relating to money
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relating to money

Correct Answer:content creator,a person who makes something to share online
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a person who makes something to share online

Q2.
True or false? Being an influencer is just about wanting attention.
Correct Answer: False, F, Not true, Incorrect, No
Q3.
The number of likes or comments can have a __________ impact on an influencer's life.
negative
Correct answer: financial
no significant
Q4.
What might motivate an influencer to appear on TV?
To become less popular online
Correct answer: To get a bigger audience
Correct answer: To make more money
Q5.
People __________ influenced and misled by online content made by influencers.
are always
are never
Correct answer: can be
Q6.
True or false? Influencers can still make money if their content contains lies or exaggerations.
Correct Answer: True, T, Correct, Yes

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definitions.
Correct Answer:disinformation,articles and more that are untrue and are designed to mislead us
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articles and more that are untrue and are designed to mislead us

Correct Answer:misinformation,false or inaccurate information, getting the facts wrong
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false or inaccurate information, getting the facts wrong

Correct Answer:echo chamber,a situation where people only hear ideas they already agree with
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a situation where people only hear ideas they already agree with

Correct Answer:polarisation,when groups become very different, with little common ground
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when groups become very different, with little common ground

Correct Answer:verify,to check if other people or websites confirm that something is true
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to check if other people or websites confirm that something is true

Q2.
__________ are computer programs that suggest content related to previous searches.
websites
URLs
Correct answer: algorithms
Q3.
True or false? Social media doesn’t promote content that contains disinformation.
Correct Answer: False, F, Incorrect, Not true, No
Q4.
What should you do if you are concerned about a health condition or illness?
Speak to a friend
Search for information online
Correct answer: Speak to a medical professional
Q5.
Fake news can lead to and lead people to not listen to others' opinions or viewpoints.
Correct Answer: polarisation, polarised
Q6.
True or false? Fake news can impact a whole country.
Correct Answer: True, T, Correct, Yes