The internet has become the most important source of information for many young people. This makes information more accessible, which can have a positive effect on democratic participation. However, the spread of hate and disinformation has also increased, including through so-called deep fakes. Distorted representations influence public opinion, misanthropic views can become more widespread and mistrust in state institutions can be fostered.

On behalf of the Representation of the European Commission in Germany, we developed a simulation game on this topic several years ago and have updated it several times since then. The game allows participants to experience how this problem is dealt with at EU level in a playful way. 

The great thing about this project is that, from the outset, the aim was to disseminate the simulation game and the methods surrounding it as widely as possible. An initial series of large-scale events throughout Germany, some of which were still held online due to the pandemic, reached almost 2,000 student pupils. 

In the next step, the simulation game was updated and made available on the website of the European Commission, together with many other methods and a handbook for teachers. Feedback is welcome at europa@planpolitik.de!

2025 saw the next level: the commission to conduct almost 100 simulation games and several training courses throughout Germany. The main objectives here were also to reach as many young people as possible with the simulation game and to encourage and enable as many teachers as possible to use the simulation game themselves in the future. This is the only way to ensure that the methods are really widely adopted.

But take a look for yourself – the materials have been included in the Material Compass of the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) and rated ‘very good’! You can read the detailed evaluation here.