# Faux Play Gamified apps test people's understanding of the "fake news" epidemic. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 16, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/faux-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Faux Play trend? **Faux Play:** Apps that give consumers the opportunity to better detect "fake news" are on the rise. As the epidemic of fake news becomes a growing concern, brands are ensuring that consumers are able to tell the difference between what's real and what's fake online. The gamification of this process provides an added incentive for consumers to gain knowledge on the subject of digital misinformation. ## The consumer insight behind the Faux Play trend Though for many, it's been easy to tell the difference between reality and falsehoods online, the distinction is becoming harder to detect due to the sophisticated technology in this space, and growing persistence from the forces that are attempting to spread fake news. Due to these conflicts, consumers are looking for ways to become more adept at detecting this form of misinformation, as many of their professional and educational habits now take place online. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 5, 2017 to Oct 14, 2019 - Published: Oct 16, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Faux Play trend ### Gamification of identifying fake news As the epidemic of fake news becomes a growing concern, brands are ensuring that consumers are able to tell the difference between what's real and what's fake online by gamifying the process. ### Simulations to teach people about misinformation Trend Hunter Robot has identified an increase in simulation games that help people understand misinformation, including games like 'Bad News' ### Activism through gaming Games like 'Game For Our Lives' are being developed to raise awareness of important social and political issues, and these types of games could offer disruptive innovation opportunities for advocacy and activism. ## What the Faux Play trend means for industry ### For Gaming and entertainment industry The gamification of identifying fake news or spreading awareness of important social and political issues could offer new opportunities in the gaming and entertainment industry. ### For Media and journalism industry Simulation games like 'Bad News' may help the media and journalism industry to better inform the public about misleading or fake news articles. ### For Marketing and advertising industry Gamification of identifying fake news could offer new opportunities for brands and marketers to raise awareness or promote media literacy. ## Workshop question How could your brand combat the spread of misinformation? ## Trend signals for Faux Play Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 35%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 35% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Faux Play trend 4 featured examples from Jul 5, 2017 to Oct 14, 2019. - [Fake News Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bad-news): 'Bad News' Hopes to Stop Misinformation By Teaching People How It Works (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The Bad News game presents an opportunity for media organizations to develop educational tools and games that promote media literacy and critical thinking. - [Troll-Themed Virtual Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/troll-factor): The Troll Factor Game Focuses on Understanding the Spread of Fake News (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The troll-themed virtual game industry presents disruptive innovation opportunities for game developers to create engaging gameplay experiences that also educate players on social… - [Fake News-Testing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/factitious): Factitious Tests Players' Ability to Detect False News Articles (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for tech companies to develop advanced algorithms and AI-powered solutions for detecting and debunking fake news. - [Gun Control Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-for-our-lives): Game For Our Lives Raises Awareness For The Changing of Gun Control Laws (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of video games like Game For Our Lives provides a platform for creative expression and powerful storytelling. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)