In a digital world saturated with images and video, distinguishing what’s real from what’s fake has become increasingly difficult. The rise of generative AI and advanced editing tools is blurring the line between authentic and manipulated digital images and videos. The VISAVIS Project, funded by the European Media and Information Fund, aims to meet this challenge head-on by working with the public to co-develop tools and training that help everyone detect visual mis/disinformation more effectively.
The VISAVIS Project works with the public to develop tools and training that help people better detect visual mis/disinformation.
How are we doing this?
In the age of AI-generated content, we need more than one-track solutions to counter fake and/or misleading information like images and videos online. People need critical thinking skills, ways to verify information themselves instantly, and the confidence to question what they see online.
The VISAVIS Project brings these elements together by combining technical innovation, media literacy education, and active public participation. We’re developing digital verification tools and educational materials to help people recognise visual mis/disinformation. But to ensure these resources are useful and relevant, we’re building them with the public – not simply handing down expert solutions.
That’s where citizen science comes in.
What’s citizen science?
Citizen science – often associated with research on the natural sciences like biology or astronomy – involves the public directly in the research process. In the VISAVIS Project, we’re applying this approach to social science research on mis/disinformation and media literacy.
In this context, citizen science acknowledges a key insight: the people most exposed to digital media are also the best positioned to recognise how misleading content appears and spreads in everyday life. This type of research empowers participants to learn and contribute simultaneously. By involving them as co-researchers, the VISAVIS Project aims to turn everyday internet users into informed and active contributors to efforts to counter visual mis/disinformation.
What the project involves
Beginning in April 2025, more than 100 participants from Dutch-speaking regions in Belgium will take part in a citizen science campaign led by Mediawijs, in collaboration with imec-SMIT, VUB. During this campaign, our participants will:
- Use simple, one-click verification tools (developed by CERTH) to check images and videos they encounter daily
- Take part in media and information literacy (MIL) training to improve their skills
- Share feedback on tools and training content
- Contribute data to help researchers understand who is most vulnerable to visual misinformation and why
Participants are not just learners – they’re co-researchers shaping the direction and outcomes of the VISAVIS Project.
Why citizen science can help
Visual mis/disinformation doesn’t follow predictable patterns. Citizen scientists help us make tools that are not only accurate but actually useful for the public. That’s why diverse, real-life perspectives are essential. By using a citizen science approach, VISAVIS can:
- Gather a wide range of authentic examples of misleading visuals
- Assess tool and training effectiveness across different age groups and digital habits
- Ensure our outputs are genuinely useful for everyday people
So, what’s next?
From April to June 2025, the Belgian campaign will roll out. Later in the year, a second campaign will take place in Sweden, coordinated by Filmpedagogerna with support from imec-SMIT, VUB.
Throughout the VISAVIS Project, which runs until March 2026, our tools and training materials, developed in partnership with CERTH, will be continuously tested and improved and will be freely available to the public.