Preparation

It is necessary for the learner to have basic knowledge of using search engines. An internet-capable terminal device is required.

Method / Process description

Phase 1: Introduction (group work)

To get started, discuss the following questions with the learning group:

• Why do people create fake identities on the internet?
• What could be the reason/purpose?
• How can we identify these identities?
• Has anyone ever faked their own identity? Why have you done so? 

Phase 2: Research (Individual work)

The participants should specifically search for fake identities of a famous person.  The search can be done in general via search engines or directly in a social network (e.g. Twitter, Instagram). Famous people are particularly suitable (e.g. athletes, politicians, singers, etc.). So-called fan pages and fan profiles (i.e. accounts created and administered by fans) can also be assessed as "fake" identities if they are not recognisable as such at first glance.  

• Try to distinguish between the real and the fake identities
• Open one of the available fake identities, read the messages or pictures.
• Try to guess what the reason for these messages might be

Suggestions for search terms: "Donald Trump", "Bayern Munich"...

Phase 3: Exchange of experiences and conclusion (group work)

Exchange in the group about the results: 

• Were there any important findings during the research? Any surprises? Interesting observations? 
• How easy / difficult was it to search for or find false identities? How easy were they to identify? 
• Why do these accounts exist? What is the motivation of the account holders? 
• What strategies can be defined to detect fake identities?