Target Audience: Communications professionals, advocacy specialists, policy makers, community organizers, and media literacy educators
Prerequisites: Completion of Post-Truth Politics 101 - Handout 1 or equivalent understanding of misinformation dynamics
Materials Needed: Case study materials, laptops for research, flip chart paper, sticky notes, markers
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
The Claim: During the farmers' protests in February 2021, a protest "toolkit" (a shared document of campaign suggestions) posted online by climate activist Greta Thunberg was presented on television and social media as proof of an international conspiracy against India. Delhi Police registered a case, and climate activist Disha Ravi was arrested on charges that included sedition.
What the Record Shows: Granting her bail on 23 February 2021, Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana of the Patiala House Courts described the evidence placed before the court as "scanty and sketchy".
Propaganda Techniques Used:
Counter-Response Strategies to Discuss:
Discussion: Which of these responses would reach the audiences that saw the original claim, and how quickly?
Presenting complex issues as simple either/or choices
Example: "Either you support this policy or you're against the nation"
Appeal to popularity or majority opinion
Example: "All patriotic citizens support this initiative"
Using fear to motivate support or opposition
Example: "If they win, your culture will be destroyed"
Associating positive symbols with political messages
Example: Using religious or patriotic imagery in political ads
Claiming to represent "common people"
Example: "I'm just like you, fighting for ordinary families"
Repeating claims until they seem true
Example: Consistent slogans across all communication platforms
Blaming a person or group for societal problems
Example: "All economic problems are caused by [specific group]"
Selecting only data that supports predetermined conclusion
Example: Highlighting favorable statistics while ignoring contradictory data
Using emotionally appealing but vague terms
Example: "Development," "Progress," "Unity" without specific definitions
Analysis Exercise: Review recent political communications and identify manipulation techniques
Materials Provided: Recent social media posts, news headlines, and political advertisements
Individual Work (5 minutes):
Pair Discussion (3 minutes):
1. Lead with Facts, Follow with Values
2. Affirm Before You Correct
3. Make Truth More Memorable than Lies
4. Provide Alternative Explanations
Approach: Inoculate audiences against misinformation before they encounter it
Methods:
Example: "During election season, watch for altered videos designed to mislead voters"
Approach: Quick correction of false information as it spreads
Methods:
Example: Real-time corrections during live political events
Approach: Long-term media literacy and critical thinking education
Methods:
Example: Teaching verification skills to rural community leaders
Approach: Working through credible local voices to share accurate information
Methods:
Example: Doctors sharing vaccine information in their communities
Approach: Using compelling narratives to convey accurate information
Methods:
Example: Short videos showing real impact of development programs
Approach: Strengthening communities' ability to resist manipulation
Methods:
Example: Village information committees that verify news before sharing
A/B Testing Elements:
| Component | Test Variables | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | Facts-first vs. values-first, technical vs. simple language | Comprehension, acceptance, sharing intention |
| Messenger | Expert vs. peer, local vs. national, institutional vs. individual | Trust ratings, message credibility |
| Format | Text vs. video vs. infographic, short vs. long form | Engagement rates, retention, recall |
| Platform | WhatsApp vs. Facebook vs. traditional media | Reach, virality, audience response |
Feedback Loop Process:
Scenario: Misinformation is spreading about a new government education policy, claiming it will eliminate local language instruction and force English-only education.
Team Challenge (groups of 4-5, 12 minutes):
Strategy Sharing (3 minutes): Each group presents their approach in 30 seconds
Digital Literacy Programs:
Community Verification Networks:
Institutional Transparency:
Regulatory Framework:
Platform Accountability:
Institutional Strengthening:
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, as amended in 2022 and 2023:
Election Laws and Misinformation:
Challenges with Regulatory Approaches:
Core Stakeholder Groups:
Civil Society Organizations:
Media and Technology:
Government and Institutions:
Community Leaders:
1. Shared Vision Creation
2. Complementary Role Definition
3. Resource Sharing Mechanisms
4. Rapid Response Coordination
Individual/Community Level:
Organizational Level:
Systemic Level:
Countering post-truth politics takes coordinated work by individuals, communities and institutions. Counter-narratives, policy responses and coalitions all help protect the quality of public information and democratic debate.
Strategic Communication Resources:
Indian Organizations and Initiatives:
Policy and Regulatory Resources:
Coalition Building and Organizing:
Training and Capacity Building:
Next Steps in ImpactMojo:
This handout is part of the ImpactMojo 101 Knowledge Series
Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 • Free to use with attribution • www.impactmojo.in
For complete counter-narrative strategy templates, coalition-building guides, and policy advocacy toolkits, visit the ImpactMojo platform.
