Today, there’s so much information online that it can be hard to tell what’s true and what’s not. That’s why learning media literacy—how to understand and question what we see in the media—is more important than ever. One tool that helped us do that in a fun and practical way is the Media Masters board game and app.
Over the past few months, we played the game in three different places: a big conference, a school workshop, and our monthly volunteer meeting. Each time, it helped us think more critically about the news and social media, and it brought lots of energy and great conversations.
First Time: Media Masters Conference on the Impact of Fake News on European Democracies
Our first experience with Media Masters was at a big conference in the historic Biblioteca Salaborsa in Bologna. We played the board game in teams and used the app on our phones. Each round gave us real-life media challenges—some were true, others were fake—and we had to figure out which was which. It sparked great conversations and helped us think more critically about the media we see every day.
School Workshop
Next, we brought the game to a classroom. Students were excited and quickly got into it. The app added fun quizzes and gave feedback, helping them understand how to tell what’s real and what’s not. Teachers told us the students kept talking about it afterward—which showed it really made an impact.
Volunteer Meeting
At our monthly volunteer meeting, we used the game in a smaller group. It led to thoughtful discussions about social media, fake news, and how easily misinformation spreads. One person said, “I didn’t expect a game to make me think this much!” And we all agreed.
About the Game
Media Masters is for 3–6 players, ages 14 and up. A game lasts about 45–60 minutes. The free app (iOS & Android) works alongside the board game with extra tasks, quizzes, and feedback. It’s available in multiple languages and works great in classrooms or community groups.
Final Thoughts
Media Masters is more than just a game—it’s a smart, fun way to learn how to understand and question the media around us. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or volunteer, it helps you become a better media user—and you’ll have fun while doing it.