A recent study examined the potential of game-based learning to address the challenges young people face in navigating misinformation and critically engaging with digital media. In an increasingly unfiltered social media environment, the authors emphasized media literacy as a key competence for evaluating information and making informed judgments.
As methodology, existent research was used, combining a benchmarking analysis of 21 tabletop games with in-depth interviews conducted with 29 experts. The benchmarking data were analyzed through comparative content analysis to identify game mechanics that support the development of media literacy, while the interview data were examined using a Grounded Theory approach to extract insights into critical skills, effective pedagogical strategies, and youth preferences in gameplay.
These analyses informed the design of two educational tabletop games aimed at fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.
The first game, Social Media Puppeteers, places players in the roles of politicians, journalists, and scientists, encouraging strategic discussion about social media dynamics through simplified role-playing mechanics aligned with experiential learning approaches.
The second game, Social Media Fake News, uses structured, card-based gameplay to help players identify and deconstruct misinformation, supporting interactive and hands-on learning.
The study shows that both games promote cognitive, social, and emotional benefits, including empathy, teamwork, and face-to-face collaboration. Through immersive narratives and role-based decision-making, players develop critical media skills in engaging learning environments.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.15847/obsOBS19520252698
Reference
Contreras-Espinosa, R. S., & Eguia-Gómez, J. L. (2025). Enhancing Media Literacy through two ludic tools. Observatorio (OBS*), 19(5)