Fake online information is any untrue or misleading content created and spread on the internet. Content can be classified based on intent and purpose.
Disinformation
Shared to trick, manipulate, or deceive people on purpose (often for political, financial, or harmful reasons)
Misinformation
Untrue info spread without intending to manipulate (e.g., mistakes, misunderstandings, or unverified rumors)
Malinformation
Genuine or modified info shared specifically to cause harm, embarrass someone, or damage their mana tangata (reputation)
Key Formats of Fake Content
Clickbait: Sensational/exaggerated headlines designed to get clicks rather than deliver news
Satire: Humor or parody making fun of real events; can be mistaken for truth if taken literally.
Commercial Agenda: Advertising disguised as regular content or unbiased news.
Manufactured Images: Photos/videos altered using software to deceive viewers.
Incorrect Facts: False statements published without supporting evidence.
Activity 1.1: Randomised Scenario Quiz
Identify whether each scenario describes Disinformation, Misinformation, or Malinformation.
Activity 1.2: Matching & Short Definitions
Task 1: Match the Type to its Description
Task 2: Define & Provide Examples (Self-Reflective Written Answers)
Practice writing details and examples as required for PC 1.2.
Section 2: Effects of Bias on Online Information
Bias occurs when someone likes or dislikes something or someone more than another in an unfair way. In online spaces, bias influences both the author (the person creating or sharing content) and the reader (the person consuming content).
Conscious Bias (Explicit Bias)
When an author or reader purposely lets their personal opinions, beliefs, and preferences affect how they create, share, or interpret online information.
Unconscious Bias (Implicit Bias)
Hidden opinions, beliefs, or preferences that people are not aware of, which shape how they process or share content without their active realisation.
Detailed Breakdown: How Bias Operates
Role
Conscious Bias Effects
Unconscious Bias Effects
Author (Content Creator)
Purposely selects or omits key facts to push their own agenda, intentionally misleading the audience.
Frames news slantly or uses loaded language without realising it, accidentally spreading false assumptions.
Reader (Content Consumer)
Deliberately seeks out content that matches their existing views and refuses to consider opposing facts.
Automatically trusts information that aligns with their worldview while instinctively rejecting facts that challenge it.
Activity 2.1: Analysing Bias Scenarios
Read each scenario carefully and select the best answer.
1. A tech reviewer intentionally leaves out negative test results about a phone brand they personally love so that people will buy it. What is this an example of?
2. A student reading a news article automatically believes a story because it matches what they grew up believing, without realizing they are being influenced by their upbringing. What is this an example of?
3. Which statement accurately describes how reader bias contributes to the spread of misinformation online?
Activity 2.2: Comprehensive Written Practice (Assessment Preparation)
Complete each written response below using your own words. Providing complete details and realistic examples will prepare you directly for Assessment Part 2.
Define what it means when an author or reader displays conscious bias.
Explain how an author's intentional opinions change what they write.
Explain how a reader's deliberate choices affect what they believe or share.
Explain what unconscious bias is and how it differs from conscious bias.
Describe what happens when an author is unaware of their own bias while writing.
Describe how implicit bias alters a reader's reaction to online content.
Section 3: Effects of Fake Online Information
Fake online information does not stay on the internet—it has real-world consequences. Its negative effects can impact individuals, whānau (families), and entire communities.
Impact on Individuals
Tricks or misleads single people, leading to personal distress, financial loss through scams/theft, or bad health choices.
Impact on Whānau (Families)
Creates stress, confusion, arguments, and a loss of trust among family members over unverified news or false dangers.
Impact on Communities
Causes widespread panic, public confusion, social conflict, and division by creating negative stereotypes or false alarms.
Detailed Breakdown: Harm and Consequences
Target Group
Primary Effects
Real-World Example
Individual
Financial theft, personal fear, misleading actions, wasted time/money.
Someone believes a post claiming a product cures a disease, spending money on something that doesn't work.
Whānau
Stress and arguments, lack of understanding, loss of interpersonal trust.
One family member believes a fake threat alert is real, causing household stress and arguments with others who know it's fake.
Community
Social conflict, community division, mass confusion, widespread fear and panic.
False rumors spread about a group in town, leading people to treat them unfairly or avoid local public events.
Read each scenario carefully and select the group most directly affected.
1. A false social media post claims the local tap water supply is contaminated, leading town residents to panic and clear out store shelves of bottled water. What level of impact is this?
2. A teenager gets a message in an online game promising bonus points if they share their account password. The gamer loses access to their account. What level of impact is this?
3. Someone repeatedly shares fake health advice with their relatives. Eventually, their relatives stop trusting anything they share. What level of impact is this?
Activity 3.2: Comprehensive Written Practice (Assessment Preparation)
Complete each written response below using your own words. Remember to include a clear description and a specific example for each (Required for PC 1.4).
Explain the general effect on a single person in your own words.
Give a detailed scenario (e.g., medical scams, password theft, false alerts).
Explain how household relationships or communication are disrupted.
Give a scenario showing argument, stress, or loss of trust within a family.
Explain how society, local neighborhoods, or groups are impacted.
Give a scenario showing community division, panic, or unfair treatment.
Section 4: Sources of Assistance for Fake Online Information
It can be challenging to identify, handle, and report fake online information. Fortunately, there are reliable organisations and digital platforms dedicated to offering assistance, tips, and official reporting channels.
Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz)
New Zealand’s independent non-profit online safety organisation providing advice, education, and incident reporting forms.
Keep It Real Online (keepitrealonline.govt.nz)
A NZ government safety initiative providing actionable guidance on spotting misinformation, research tips, and safe online habits.
Internet Matters (internetmatters.org)
An international advice hub offering online safety guidance, fake news identification tips, and family digital safety toolkits.
Detailed Breakdown: Support Sources & Services Offered
Source Name
Key Services Offered
When to Use
Netsafe
• Information on what fake info is
• Official online forms to report misinformation/fake news
• Advice on managing online harm & harassment
When you need to formally report fake news or malicious content in NZ.
Keep It Real Online
• Explanations of misinformation & how to identify it
• How to research online safely to avoid fake news
• Strategies for dealing with fake info when found online
When learning effective research skills and how to spot misleading posts.
Internet Matters
• Detailed guides on identifying fake news
• Educational toolkits for youth & families
• Advice hubs covering wider digital issues
When looking for step-by-step guides and tips to share with family.
Activity 4.1: Identifying Support Sources
Read each scenario and choose the best matching source of assistance.
1. You come across a dangerous fake news post online and want to submit an official report to a NZ online safety organisation. Which source offers an online reporting form?
2. You are writing a school project and need advice on how to research effectively so you don't accidentally rely on fake information. Which NZ website specifically offers guides on researching online to avoid misinformation?
3. True or False: You must pay a fee to access online safety information on the Netsafe website.
Activity 4.2: Comprehensive Written Practice (Assessment Preparation)
Complete each written response below using your own words. Completing these questions will prepare you directly for Part 4 of your Assessment Booklet.
Describe what support or tools they provide in your own words.
Describe what support or tools they provide in your own words.
Explain how reporting helps protect others in the community.
Describe a constructive way to deal with misinformation.
Module Pre-Learning Complete! 🎓
You have finished all 4 interactive preparation sections for NZQA Unit Standard 33140 v1a.
Review your written practice responses, then open your official Assessment Booklet to complete Assessment Parts 1 through 4.