Fake news about health issues do great damage, cause enormous damage and have a very high social cost. Those concerning vaccinations are more likely to be shared and perceived as true, followed at a significant distance by information on screening tests (prostate, colon-rectum, breasts). These are the results that emerged from a recent survey on the “Impact of Fake News in the Health Sector” funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and conducted by the Centre for Economic and International studies at the University of Tor Vergata in collaboration with the London Kingston University. How can we help citizens to correctly interpret news and make the best choices for their health? What role can schools play to raise young men and women who are able to think critically?
Viral but healthy is a Fondazione Mondo Digitale Project developed thanks to funding from MSD Italia. The objective is to develop an awareness raising programme on the risks and prevention of infectious diseases that will actively involve young men and women. Today, starting at 9 am, the Rome Phyrtual Innovation Gym will host a white hackathon, a creativity marathon to identify the best solutions for correct information on the prevention of the most common diseases.
Divided into teams and supported by mentors, the students will work on identifying new solutions and applications for the prevention of common pathologies. The ideas will then be further developed at the Rome Phyrtual Innovation Gym. The final objective is to develop an information product for peers in Italian schools and a campaign for social networks.
The original course on transversal competences and orientation (formerly known as the school-work programme) will involve 55 students at the Liceo Scientifico Vito Volterra in Ciampino (Rome). Guided by experts, participants will learn about the mechanisms of scientific communication and understand its risks and potential, helping to spread healthy, communications throughout the community.
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