Cloudabouts
Here’s a chance to test your news literacy! Disinformation is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it’s crucial to be able to distinguish fact from fiction, especially when it comes to online news. This quiz challenges you to identify which of the following news headlines and brief reports were fabricated in August 2025, a time when deepfakes and AI-generated content are even more convincing. Good luck!
The Quiz: Spot the Fake News
Instructions
Read each news report carefully. Consider the source (if provided), the writing style, and the overall plausibility of the event. Then, select whether you believe the report is REAL or FAKE.
Question 1
Headline: “Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Eradicate Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa, Scientists Declare Victory”
Brief Report: After decades of research and trials, a new strain of genetically modified mosquitoes has successfully eradicated malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) hailed the achievement as a monumental triumph for global health.
REAL or FAKE?
Question 2
Headline: “Leaked Documents Reveal Government Secretly Monitoring Citizens’ Brainwaves”
Brief Report: A trove of classified documents leaked by a whistleblower expose a clandestine government program called “Project Nightingale,” which allegedly uses advanced technology to monitor the brainwaves of unsuspecting citizens. Civil liberties groups are up in arms, calling for an immediate investigation.
REAL or FAKE?
Question 3
Headline: “Elon Musk Announces Plans to Build a City on Mars Powered by Fusion Energy”
Brief Report: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, unveiled ambitious plans to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars powered by a revolutionary fusion energy reactor. The project, dubbed “Olympus Prime,” aims to make humanity a multi-planetary species within the next decade. He also said something about Martian burritos but I couldn’t really hear, could you?
REAL or FAKE?
Question 4
Headline: “New Study Shows Link Between Social Media Use and Increased Lifespan”
Brief Report: Contrary to previous research, a groundbreaking new study published in the “Journal of Longevity” claims that regular social media use is associated with a significant increase in lifespan. Researchers suggest that online social interaction fosters a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation, leading to improved overall health. Yeah, right.
REAL or FAKE?
Question 5
Headline: “Giant Squid Spotted Swimming in the River Thames”
Brief Report: Londoners were shocked to witness a giant squid swimming in the River Thames near the Tower Bridge. Marine biologists are baffled by the sighting, speculating that the creature may have strayed from its deep-sea habitat due to climate change or some other unknown factor. A photo (grainy, of course) accompanied the story.
REAL or FAKE?
Answer Key and Explanations
Question 1: “Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Eradicate Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa, Scientists Declare Victory”
Answer: REAL. While it sounds almost too good to be true, genetic engineering has been making significant strides in combating diseases like malaria. News outlets in August 2025 could very well be reporting on a breakthrough of this nature. The WHO backing the announcement adds to the plausibility.
Question 2: “Leaked Documents Reveal Government Secretly Monitoring Citizens’ Brainwaves”
Answer: FAKE. This one’s designed to play on your anxieties about privacy and government overreach, right? The generic “Project Nightingale” name, coupled with the whistleblower narrative, is a common trope in conspiracy theories. While government surveillance is a real concern, brainwave monitoring technology isn’t quite there yet (at least not that we know of!).
Question 3: “Elon Musk Announces Plans to Build a City on Mars Powered by Fusion Energy”
Answer: REAL. Okay, so anything involving Elon Musk should already make you raise an eyebrow, but this one is probably real. He’s known for making wildly ambitious announcements, and he’s definitely got Mars on his mind. Plus, fusion energy is a long-term goal for many scientists. The Martian burritos part? That’s just Elon being Elon.
Question 4: “New Study Shows Link Between Social Media Use and Increased Lifespan”
Answer: FAKE. C’mon, now. This headline is deliberately counter-intuitive. Most studies point to the negative impacts of social media on mental health. While social connection is important for longevity, framing social media as the primary driver is highly suspect. Plus, who funds the “Journal of Longevity,” anyway?
Question 5: “Giant Squid Spotted Swimming in the River Thames”
Answer: FAKE. While not impossible, it’s highly improbable. Giant squids are deep-sea creatures. The River Thames isn’t exactly their natural habitat. The grainy photo is a classic telltale sign of fake news. It’s meant to provide just enough “evidence” without being easily verifiable. Clever, but not clever enough!
Tips for Spotting Fake News
Check the Source
Is the news outlet reputable? Have you heard of it before? A quick search can reveal if it’s known for accuracy or spreading misinformation.
Read Beyond the Headline
Sensational headlines are designed to grab your attention. The actual article might paint a different picture entirely. Always dig deeper.
Look for Supporting Evidence
Does the article cite credible sources? Are experts quoted? Vague claims without backup should raise red flags.
Be Wary of Emotionally Charged Content
Fake news often tries to stir up strong emotions like anger or fear. This can cloud your judgment. Take a breath and evaluate the information rationally.
Consult Fact-Checking Websites
Websites like Snopes, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org are your friends. Use them to verify suspicious claims before sharing anything.
So, how did you do? In this crazy world of ever-improving digital fakery, critical thinking is more vital than ever! Sharpening your media literacy skills helps you stay informed and avoid falling for misinformation. Keep questioning what you read and be a responsible consumer of news. It might just save you from sharing something embarrassing, or worse!
