Unfake Social Media - Social Media Simulation Games - Game 4 Platform Paradox

Aims of the tool

To deepen understanding of platform-specific misinformation dynamics by:
a) Demonstrating how identical information changes form and meaning across social networks; and
b) Building awareness of how algorithms and audience behaviour contribute to the viral spread of false narratives.

Description of the tool

The Platform Paradox, developed under the Unfake Social Media project’s Social Media Simulation category, immerses players in the digital world where a small piece of misinformation travels across Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube — morphing with each new platform.

Each round reveals how tone, visuals, and engagement mechanisms influence the story’s credibility and impact. Players must track and analyse how the same message evolves into conspiracy narratives shaped by each platform’s unique features.

The game helps participants recognise manipulation strategies, algorithmic amplification, and cross-platform distortion — empowering them to question and decode what they encounter online.