đź’ˇ Why This Lesson Matters
Fighting misinformation isn’t just about checking facts — it’s about shifting mindsets, changing perspectives, building communities, and designing the kind of world we want to live in. This lesson introduces the Theory of Change (TOC), a powerful tool that helps us move from frustration to action. You’ll learn how to map a real strategy to tackle fake news, define the impact you want to create, and understand the powers that stand in your way.
This session is inspired by the IP2C module on TOC and OSINT, created and facilitated by Antonis Bougias.
🔍 What is Theory of Change?
The Theory of Change is a way of planning that starts with your vision for change and works backward to map out everything you need to make it happen. It helps you answer questions like:
- What do I want to change?
- What steps will lead there?
- Who holds power over this issue?
- What can I do with the resources and people I have?
This approach is especially useful in tackling fake news — an issue rooted in culture, power, and technology.
🧠TOC in Action: Mapping Change Against Fake News
Imagine you want to reduce the spread of misinformation among young people in your country. Your TOC pathway might look like this:
- Vision: Young people are equipped to spot, question, and resist fake news.
- Long-Term Outcome (LTO): They critically assess sources and influence their peers with verified information.
- Preconditions: They have access to media literacy education, tools like JedAI, and platforms to share verified content.
- Interventions: Host workshops, build school alliances, create meme campaigns, promote ethical social communication.
- Indicators: Participation rates, reductions in reported false content, peer-led campaigns.
- Narrative: Positioning young people as truth defenders – a counter-movement to the chaos of the algorithm.
🛠️ TOC Meets OSINT: A Game-Changing Combo
The TOC method becomes even more powerful when paired with Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools. In this course, you’ve already explored:
- Google Reverse Image Search
- Fact-checking networks like EUvsDisinfo and Teyit
- JedAI GPT
These tools provide the data you need to describe the current situation and measure your impact. Use OSINT for:
- Mapping disinformation hotspots
- Monitoring narrative shifts in social media
- Exposing sources and funding of fake content
⚡ Power Mapping: Know Who You’re Up Against
To create change, you need to understand power — who holds it, how it operates, and how to challenge it. Use the Power Cube to analyze:
- Forms: Visible (laws), hidden (agendas), invisible (norms)
- Spaces: Closed (government), invited (surveys), created (youth movements)
- Levels: Local, national, global
Ask yourself: Who benefits from misinformation? Who can be an ally? How can we confront harmful narratives together?