The purchase of fake likes, reviews, followers, and other forms of inauthentic engagement from so-called Fake Activity Shops (FAS) fuels the global disinformation economy. One of the most effective ways to counter this is by empowering everyday users to recognize and question fake activity before it misleads them. EdTech tools, such as simple games and interactive demos, can help build the critical thinking and digital literacy skills necessary to detect such manipulation. 

In this upcoming workshop, we will explore how EdTech can equip individuals to spot deceptive online practices, including fake reviews on platforms like Amazon, inflated follower counts on social media, and AI-generated images used in fabricated online profiles. By fostering user skepticism and awareness, EdTech can weaken the impact of purchased disinformation and help make unethical tactics less effective. 

This half-day workshop will host up to 30 participants and is designed for both newcomers and experienced professionals in disinformation, human-computer interaction, and education. No technical expertise is required - just a strong interest in educational technology and disinformation. Through a mix of discussions and co-design activities, participants will collaboratively explore and prototype how EdTech can be leveraged to counteract fake engagement online.