When we initially think of security and national security, we often think of systems, software, databases containing sensitive information, etc. However, humans are a critical and vulnerable attack surface as well.

 

Cognitive exploitation and misinformation can erode trust, influence decision-making, and destabilize social cohesion. In this sense, it’s social engineering on a mass scale: manipulating public perception to influence individuals and communities.

 

One of the strongest defenses is education. INformed is a media literacy experience designed to help people from all backgrounds develop a more critical mindset when navigating information and news online.

 

Rather than presenting media literacy as a traditional course, INformed places learners in a fictional storyline where they encounter different forms of misinformation and learn how to recognize, evaluate, and navigate them in their own lives.

 

The experience is organized into six core modules covering topics such as misinformation tactics, social media, deepfakes, and additional resources. Interactive knowledge checks allow learners to apply what they’ve learned, while an in-experience mentor provides guidance, clarification, and additional context along the way.

 

The project was developed and designed with care for the IN Network. Built using React, TypeScript, Supabase, and Tailwind CSS, with a focus on making a complex topic approachable, engaging, and accessible. 

 

The goal: make media literacy feel less like a lecture and more like a skill you can actually use. 

 

Happy learning!