Bridging the Gap: Cranky Uncle Takes on Climate and Vaccine Misinformation Worldwide
- John Cook, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, developed the Cranky Uncle game to combat climate misinformation.
- The game uses a character, the "Cranky Uncle," to teach people how to spot climate misinformation.
- Unicef approached Cook to adapt the game for combating vaccine misinformation in the developing world.
- The Cranky Uncle vaccine game has been launched in Tanzania, with trials completed in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana.
- The game focuses on the "inoculation technique," teaching common argument modes used by misinformation spreaders before exposing myths.
- Results from trials show a positive increase in attitudes towards vaccinations and improved discernment between facts and fallacies.
"Climate and vaccine misinformation seemed worlds apart – but it turned out the Cranky Uncle was a universal figure Most people in western countries would recognise the archetypal cranky uncle – the cantankerous older relative who lays claim to “common sense” as they dismiss climate change as a socialist plot or vaccines as a conspiracy perpetuated by big pharma..."
In the realms of climate and vaccine misinformation, the Cranky Uncle has emerged as a universal figure, transcending cultural boundaries. Initially designed to combat climate misinformation, the Cranky Uncle game, created by John Cook at the University of Melbourne, has now extended its reach to tackle vaccine misinformation globally.
Understanding the Cranky Uncle Phenomenon: Most people in western countries can relate to the archetype of the cranky uncle—a figure dismissing climate change or vaccines as conspiracies. John Cook, an academic and part-time cartoonist, incorporated this character into a game aimed at teaching people to identify climate misinformation.
Expanding the Cranky Uncle's Reach: Unicef recognized the universal nature of the cranky uncle and approached Cook to adapt the game for combating vaccine misinformation, especially in culturally diverse countries. The newly launched Cranky Uncle vaccine game has already made its debut in Tanzania, with successful trials conducted in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, and further rollouts planned, including in Pakistan.
The Inoculation Technique: The game's foundation lies in the "inoculation technique," a unique approach developed by Cook and social science colleagues. Rather than directly debunking myths, the game teaches players common argument modes used by misinformation spreaders, enhancing immunity across topics.
Positive Impact on Vaccine Attitudes: Trials in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana have shown statistically significant shifts in vaccine attitudes. Players learn to recognize and counter fallacies, resulting in a positive increase in discernment between facts and fallacies, fostering a more favorable attitude towards vaccinations.
Tailoring for Cultural Sensitivity: Adapting the game for different cultural contexts involved redrawing the Cranky Uncle character multiple times to reflect local populations. Specific scripts were developed for local communities, incorporating recognizable characters like health workers to deliver factual information.
Future Impact and Critical Thinking: The Cranky Uncle vaccine game aims to go beyond addressing vaccine misinformation, hoping to enhance critical thinking in public debates on various topics. Cook envisions the game as a tool to make people better critical thinkers, whether it's about vaccinations, climate change, or any other public discourse.
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