Taiwanese Group Fights Fake News with Personal Outreach, Focusing on Vulnerable Seniors

Fake News Cleaner leverages direct conversations and education to combat misinformation, particularly targeting the elderly in Taiwan.

Fake News Cleaner, a volunteer-driven initiative, has conducted over 500 events across Taiwan to educate people, especially seniors, on discerning fake news.
The group employs an old-school, offline approach to bridge the digital literacy gap among the elderly, offering simple metaphors like soap bars to engage discussions.
Misinformation significantly impacts Taiwan's older population, exploiting generational divides and technological gaps to exacerbate social rifts.
Despite the presence of fact-checking organizations, Fake News Cleaner's hands-on method addresses the unique challenges faced by less tech-savvy seniors.
The initiative's non-political stance and focus on everyday issues like health and scams aim to foster critical thinking and improve family relationships.