The Collapse

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This is a story about two neighboring islands - Aswas (a small island on the North) and Benih (a bigger island on the South). The two islands are governed together by a United Government. The story starts with a breaking news -- the bridge that connects the two islands has collapsed. To interact with this story, please [[click on the colored text.]] The whole story should take less than 10 minutes. //''psss... you can hide the menu on your left-hand-side to play the game in full screen (by clicking on the "<" button). <img src="Islands.png">

In this game, you are playing as a character named ''Vita''. You are a 17 year-old high school student living on the small Aswas island. You live with your brother, Jo. But before we begin, here is a little bit about [[the history of Aswas->Vita]]: <img src="Vita.png">

A long time ago, ''Aswas'' (where Vita lives) and ''Benih'' (the other island) were two independent islands that had little to no interaction. It was called //the Dark Age.// Later on, Aswasians discovered how to utilize mineral extracts to generate energy. And soon enough, Aswasians became so advanced in their innovation and development that they decided to share this breakthrough with their neighbor, [[HistoryA<-the Benihs]]. <img src="energy.png">

They showed Benihs the power of energy science. They were in awe. They'd never seen anything like this. So the two islands made a deal -- Aswasians would teach Benihs how to generate energy. In return, Benihs would provide those raw mineral ingredients to Aswas. After all, Benih is a much bigger island with lots of natural resources. It was a [[win-win]]. <img src="benih.png">

Later, Aswasian leader General Caiza proposed a United Government model to further institutionalize this partnership. The island Aswas would serve as the capital. 50 years after the United Government is established, they built the Bridge of Caiza, an indispensable infrastructure for the powerlines and inter-island transportation. The bridge is a symbol of shared prosperity. //Back to the game: You are now playing as [[breakA<-Vita]].// <img src="bridge.png">

You wake up this morning to the breaking news -- The Bridge of Caiza has [[collapsed->day1.1A]] in an explosion last night. <img src="news.png">

"This can't be true!" You grab the phone and immediately dial Jo's number. Your brother Jo is a night shift truck driver. Every night, he passes the Bridge to deliver goods between the two islands. It goes straight to his voicemail. You have a really bad feeling. - [[Call Jo's company]] - [[Go to school first]]

//"The number you are calling is not receiving calls at this moment. Please leave a message aft..."// "Useless!" You hang up the phone. The news reporter is now talking to a detector on site. //"We have no further information at this moment... We will be doing thorough investigation... but we are not dismissing the possibility of a terrorist attack."// You turn off the TV and [[go to school->Go to school first]].

Everyone at school is talking about the news. //"Have you heard that it might have been a terrorist attack?"// //"Nonsense! They said there's no evidence yet!"// //"I have an uncle who lives a few miles from the Bridge. He says it was deafening when they blew it up!"// //"What about our school trip next week? Does that mean we are not going anymore?"// You sit quietly at the corner. All you could think of is your brother. You put on your headphones. - [[Watch some videos online]] - [[Eavesdrop on others' conversation while pretending to be listening to music]]

You open //Videomine// on your phone. It's a video-based social media that has been very popular among students. On the home page, you can choose to watch popular videos shared by your close friends or random ones published by other users. - [[Watch videos popular amongst friends]] - [[Watch random videos]] <img src="videomine.png">

You overhear some of your classmates talking about skipping class to go see the Bridge's remains. - [[Tell them you want to come along]] - [[Ignore them]] <img src="overheard.png">

The video shows a guy walking at night. It was very dark. //"I just finished my night shift and I spotted something around the Bridge area... A group of Benihs. I don't think they live on this side of the Bridge, but they were like... cheering and clapping and..."// He looks around, as if to make sure there is no one around. //"They were yelling things like 'Independence is near!' I don't know if I should report it to the authori..."// Before he could finish the sentence, his camera was violently shaken and the screen went black covered after being swallowed by black smoke. You read the comments: //"Terrorists!"// //"OMG did he die? Someone needs to give this footage to the police!"// //"Those extremists are still out there!"// You [[close the comment window]].

In the first video, you see a Benih woman crying. She just lost her job at a small powerplant there. Her powerplant used to generate energy exclusively for the captial. Now that the Bridge is gone and the powerline destroyed, everything is on hold. She talks about the hardship of raising six children and taking care of her ill partner. There is a GoFundMe link at the end of the video. - [[Donate]] - [[Next video->Watch videos popular amongst friends]] <img src="cry.png">

You sneakily left the classroom with them and got into one of your classmates' car. On your way to the Bridge, she turns on the radio news channel. //"Without the powerlines, the capital is concerned that its reserved energy may not last long. The Aswas island has declared an energy emergency and prompted all residents to be prepared for power outage as early as this evening."// There is an uncomfortable moment of silence. Some of your classmates decided to turn off their phones to save batteries. You should probably save your phone battery too... but what if Jo calls? - [[Turn it off regardless->Turn on Airplane mode regardless]] - [[Keep your phone on]]

The class started. It's Ms. Leni's history class -- your favourite. This week, you are learning about some historical ethnic conflicts between the Aswas and Benihs. Someone in the class raises their hand, //"Ms. Leni, is it the Benihs who are behind the terrorist attack?"// People gasp and whisper. //"It's too early to label this as an attack... It's also too early to lay the blame on Benihs just because historically we had our tensions"// says Ms. Leni. //"But the vidoes online! You can clearly see that it was planned by those people!"// //"Bridges don't explode on their own! What other possibilities are there?"// //"Whose side are you on?"// You feel bad for Ms. Leni... - [[but you kind of agree with your classmates here]] - [[she is right; it's too early to make any statement->but you kind of agree with your classmates here]]

One of the girls approaches you and asks if you want to skip class and go see the Bridge's remains. - [["Sure! Count me in." ->Tell them you want to come along]] - [["Sorry, I am not really in the mood."->Ignore them]] <img src="invite.png">

You donated $25. Suddenly, you notice that the donation page automatically publishes your contribution on Videomine -- //"Vita just donated $25 to help Briana from Benih!"// it reads. You look around, worried that some of your classmates may see this on their feeds. You are concernedd that some of them may criticize you for helping some distant strangers while people in your very own neighborhood (and family) are in need. You quietly [[close the app->Ignore them]].

You arrived at the bridge. There are many people around. Most of them probably are journalists. You tried to squeeze to the front but was unsuccessful. You tap on one of the journalists' shoulder and ask "Excuse me, do you know what's going on at the front?" //"The soldiers are coordinating ferries to take Benihs who are stranded here home."// Oh! Of course, you realize that if there are people like Jo stranded in Benih there must be people from Benih stranded here too. "Does that mean they are also going to take those who are stranded over there back to Aswas?" //"You have family members or friends over there, kid?"// asks the journalist - [[''"Yes, my brother Jo!"'' (perhaps the journalists could help me find Jo)]] - [[''"No... I'm just... asking"'' (I don't want to disclose things to journalists)]] <img src="journalist.png">

You arrived at the Bridge. There are many people around. Most of them probably are journalists. You tried to squeeze to the front but was unsuccessful. You tap on one of the journalists' shoulder and ask "Excuse me, do you know what's going on at the front?" //"The soldiers are coordinating ferries to take Benihs who are stranded here home."// Oh! Of course, you realized that if there are people like Jo stranded in Benih there must be people from Benih stranded here too. "Does that mean they are also going to bring those who are stranded over there back to Aswas?" [[You find a glimpse of hope.]] <img src="journalist.png">

The class was dismissed and you decided to skip the next class and go home early. Perhaps Jo is home already! You run back home... nothing but silence greets you at the door. Your heart sinks. You turn on the TV news channel. //"Without the powerlines, the capital is concerned that its reserved energy may not last long. The Aswas island has declared an energy emergency and prompted all residents to be prepared for power outage as early as this evening."// - [[Turn off the TV]] - [[Change a channel<-Change the channel]] <img src="power.png">

//"Oh I am very sorry to hear that..."// says the journalist, //"From what we've heard, the ferries can only go one way -- from Aswas to Benih. In this season, the currents around the islands will not allow them to go the other around."// You feel like as if someone just punched you in the gut. You're devastated and a little bit angry that those people can go back home safely but Jo might not be able to come home so easily. Suddenly, you hear some distant shouting at the front. This time, you [[found your way to the front to see what's happening]].

//"Oh good..."// says the journalist, //"From what we've heard, the ferries can only go one way -- from Aswas to Benih. In this season, the currents around the islands will not allow them to go the other around."// You feel like as if someone just punched you in the gut. You're devastated and a little bit angry that those people can go back home safely but Jo might not be able to come home so easily. Suddenly, you hear some distant shouting at the front. This time, you [[find your way to the front to see what's happening->fight]].

You go to bed early. "Perhaps Jo will be back tomorrow" you tell yourself. You make sure to charge your phone, even though you are not sure how much it could charge before the power goes off. [[You close your eyes]]. <img src="charging.png">

On another channel, you see a chaotic fight scene breaking out between an Aswasian solider and a Benih man. The title reads //"Benih man attacks soldier during efforts to bring stranded Benihs home."// The incident happened at the Bridge. You realized that if you have gone with your classmates, You would have witnessed this. The footage was cut short and the news anchor says //"Since this morning, there have been 10 arrests of Benihs on both islands for suspicious activities. The incident you saw just now was the most violent one. Authority and the military are watching the Benih island closely these days to assess whether the Bridge explosion is in fact a political move orchestrated by certain Benih groups."// You feel more and more fearful for Jo. Where is he? Could he be captured or hurt if there really is some dangerous group out there? Aswasians are visibly different from the Benihs... which means he could be easily targetted. You [[Turn off the TV]]. <img src="fight.png">

It seems like a fight has broken out between some soldiers and a Benih man. You don't understand what the Benih man is yelling but the soldiers are raising their hands and shouting //"Get back! Get back into the line, sir!"// It seems like neither party understands what the other is talking about. Unexpectedly, the Benih man attacks one of the soldiers, beating him on the ground with full force. You see blood coming out of the solder's nose and his teeth getting knocked out. All you can hear is the sound of the fist hitting the soldier's face, the screams from the bystanders, and the camera shutter sounds all around you. Finally, some soldiers pin down the man on the ground and handcuff him. You feel nauseous and decided to [[go home immediately->journalist]]. <img src="fight.png">

Once you're home, you plug in your phone charger. As you turn on the TV, the first thing you see is the news headline, //"Benih man attacks soldier during efforts to bring stranded Benihs home."// You turn away, not wanting to witness the scene again. You hear the news anchor say //"Since this morning, there have been 10 arrests of Benihs on both islands for suspicious activities. The incident you saw just now was the most violent one. Authority and the military are watching the Benih island closely these days to assess whether the Bridge explosion is in fact a political move orchestrated by certain Benih groups."// You feel more and more fearful for Jo. Where is he? Could he be captured or hurt if there really is some dangerous group out there? Aswasians are visibly different from the Benihs... which means he could be easily targetted. You [[turned off the TV and decided to go to bed early->You close your eyes]]. <img src="charging.png">

But before you leave the scene, the journalist from earlier pulls you to the side. //"Hey kid, listen. The only way to get your brother back is to pressure the government. If you'd like, we can do a live interview with you tomorrow. Are you in?"// - [[''"Sure... why not."'']] - [[''"No, I... I just want to go home and wait for Jo."''->go home immediately]]

The journalist asks for your phone number and told you that the reporter crew will be in contact with him tomorrow. You head back home. That night, you can't really fall asleep. You think about the violent incident near the Bridge and you think about Jo. Your phone is charging on the bedside table but you are not sure when the power might be cut off. You try your best to [[fall asleep]]. <img src="charging.png">

//"From what we've heard, the ferries can only go one way -- from Aswas to Benih. In this season, the currents around the islands will not allow them to go the other around"// says the journalist. You feel like as if someone just punched you in the gut. You're devastated and a little bit angry that those people can go back home safely but Jo might not be able to come home so easily. Suddenly, you hear some distant shouting. This time, you [[find your way to the front to see what's happening->fight2]].

It seems like a fight has broken out between some soldiers and a Benih man. You don't understand what the Benih man is yelling but the soldiers are raising their hands and shouting //"Get back! Get back into the line, sir!"// It seems like neither party understands what the other is talking about. Unexpectedly, the Benih man attacks one of the soldiers, beating him on the ground with full force. You see blood coming out of the solder's nose and his teeth getting knocked out. All you can hear is the sound of the fist hitting the soldier's face, the screams from the bystanders, and the camera shutter sounds all around you. Finally, some soldiers pin down the man on the ground and handcuff him. You decided to... - [[share what you just saw on social media]] - [[go home immediately]] <img src="fight.png">

You look at the selfie camera and start narrating what you just saw. Your voice still trembles and cold sweat drips down from your forehead. "I've never seen something like this... It's crazy... He's gone wild just all of a sudden!" You notice that your phone battery is about to die, so you quickly stop recording and upload the video to your social media account. A few seconds later, your phone screen turns dark. [[It's time to go home]]. <img src="selfie.png">

You're woken up by your phone alarm. You turn it off, realizing that the phone battery shows "100%." A news article pops up on your suggested reading list. The title reads "Foreign energy company //Enercom// strikes deal with Aswas to provide emergency energy package." In the article, however, it says that this "emergency energy package" might be more than an altruistic gesture. For years, Enercom has repeatedly tried to persuade the United Government to consider diverging their source of energy to include both domestic production in Benih and energy imports from Enercom. It seems like as soon as the Bridge collapsed, they didn't miss a beat to repropose the offer... except this time, Aswas will rely 100% on Enercom. [[Read more]]

Once you're home, you plug in your phone charger. As you turned on the TV, the first thing you saw was the news headline, //"Benih man attacks soldier during efforts to bring stranded Benihs home."// You turned away, not wanting to witness the scene again. You heard the news anchor's voice says //"Since this morning, there have been 10 arrests of Benihs on both islands for suspicious activities. The incident you saw just now was the most violent one. Authority and the military are watching the Benih island closely these days to assess whether the Bridge bombing is in fact a political move orchestrated by certain Benih groups."// You feel more and more fearful for Jo. Where is he? Could he be captured or hurt if there really is some dangerous group out there? Aswasians are visibly different from the Benihs... which means he could be easily targetted. You [[turned off the TV and decided to go to bed early->day2]].

You're woken up by your phone alarm. You turn it off, realizing that the phone battery shows "100%." Your phone was fully charged overnight. A news article pops up on your suggested reading list. The title reads "Foreign energy company //Enercom// strikes deal with Aswas to provide emergency energy package." But before you could click on the article to read more about it, your phone vibrates like crazy. You noticed that you've got so many responses, shares, and likes from the video you uploaded yesterday. - [[check out those responses]] - [[mute the notification->You headed to school]]

The first response is from a guy around the same age as you. He wrote //"What a savage! When will the government grow some balls and admit that those Benihs did all this?"// Many people replied to his comment saying //"Absolutely! I am ashamed to say we share a nation with those savages."// //"Your crazy if you think the bridge bombing is an accident and not a terrorist act by the Benihs."// - [[Ignore those comments]] - [[Reply to those people]]

In another comment, a woman said //"This is terrifying! I can't even imagine if myself or my loved ones are stranded on their island. See how they are abducting Aswasians there too!" She attached a video. You click on it. In the video, a group of Benihs dressed in black robes were pushing five handcuffed Aswasians into a truck. You immediately noticed that one of them looks a lot like Jo! You pause the video, but it is too blurry to confirm, even though his posture, his hair, and outfit all look identical to Jo's. [[Your heart races so fast->Your heart raced so fast.]] <img src="kidnap.png">

You wrote "Hey! Please don't comment things like this under my video!" Immediately, you see some people giving your reply a thumbsup, but some give it a thumbsdown or a cry-laughing emoji. You scroll down further, realizing that just overnight, many vidoes about violent conflicts between Aswasians and Benihs have been posted and shared. Occasionally, you come across a few videos posted by Benih people. You don't understand their language, but you can sense the anger and sadness in their voices. You wonder if some Benih groups are to blame for the Bridge incident, and if so, what was their reason. [[You headed to school]].

The mayor of the captial states that //"Indeed, the deal could affect our domestic power industry, but at this moment, it is crucial to ensure that all residents and businesses in Aswas can access energy and can continue their business activities."// You feel... - [[Slightly relieved -- at least now we don't need to worry about power outage->You headed to school]] - [[Slightly upset -- it seems like the government is focusing more on economic issues rather than taking action to bring Jo home->You headed to school]]

You go on the internet and search "Benihs kidnap Aswasians," the first thing that pops up is a rally event page called "Bring back the children of Aswas." The event page is created just a few hours ago but it already attracts lots of interest. They will be gathering near the city hall in the next hour to call for immediate action by the United Government. You decided to... - [[Head to the city hall to join them->Message the organizer to express interest]] - [[Go to the police first]]

At the studio, the host tells you that you will be asked about Jo and your experience since the bridge collapsed. After a few general questions, you are asked //"Vita, you were also there to witness the violent incidence near the Bridge yesterday. Does that worry you?"// - [["I don't know... I have no clue to be honest."]] - [["It worries me of course. I don't want my brother... or anyone to experience something like that."]] <img src="interview.png">

You arrive at school. People are all talking about the rising violent conflicts between Aswasian police force and the Benihs. It seems like the tensions between the two islands have exacerbated tremendously after the bridge collapsed. Suddenly, someone climbs on top of the desk and yelled "There's new updates about the explosion! Be quiet and listen!" He turns his phone's volume up to maximum, and you hear the news anchor saying //"One of the Benihs arrested yesterday has now confessed. It has been confirmed that the Bridge bombing is indeed a terrorist act fueled by the independence movement in Benih."// Most of your classmates are in disbelief while others have the "I-told-you-so" smirk on their face. Some of your classmates share that there will be a rally in an hour to condemn the Benih terrorists. You decided to - [[Stay in school]] - [[Join them at the rally->Message the organizer to express interest]] <img src="stand.png">

After the interview, you are hanging around the cafeteria inside the studio buiding. Suddenly, one journalist rushes into the cateria and yells //"Someone confessed! One of the Benih guys arrested yesterday..."// he continues while trying to catch his breath, //"It's a terrorist attack! It's confirmed!"// All the journalists stop whatever they were doing and leave the cafeteria like a storm. Just like that, you are all alone and Jo's return seems even more unlikely. To make the matters worse, [[you check your phone and come across a video trending online->you checked your phone and came across a video trending online]]...

Suddenly, an assistant comes up to the stage and whispers to the host. The host's face turns serious. //"Thank you, Vita. Now if you would excuse us. We need to broadcast a breaking news... One of the Benihs arrested yesterday has now confessed. It has been confirmed that the Bridge bombing is indeed a terrorist act fueled by the independence movement in Benih."// The host makes a gesture and a video plays. The video shows a Benih in his 40s dressed in ragged clothes. His voice flat but clear: "We did it for Benih's liberation. We have planned it for months and we finally did it. We don't want no Aswasians on our land no more." The camera cuts back to you and the host. The air feels as if it's frozen. You are thanked by the host and led to [[the lounge]].

At the lounge, you check you phone. Your social media is flooded with people's reaction to the breaking news just now, but you also see another trending video... In the video, a group of Benihs dressed in black robes were pushing five handcuffed Aswasians into a truck. You immediately notice that one of them looks a lot like Jo! You pause the video, but it was too blurry to confirm even though his posture, his hair and outfit all look identical to Jo's. You're terrified. You saw that some people are already organizing a rally called "Bring back the children of Aswas." They will be gathering near the city hall in an hour to call for immediate action by the United Government. You decided to... - [[Head to the city hall to join them->Message the organizer to express interest]] - [[Go to the police first]] <img src="kidnap.png">

In the video, a group of Benihs dressed in black robes were pushing five handcuffed Aswasians into a truck. You immediately notice that one of them looks a lot like Jo! You pause the video, but it is too blurry to confirm even though his posture, his hair and outfit all look identical to Jo's. You're terrified. You see that some people are already organizing a rally called "Bring back the children of Aswas." They will be gathering near the city hall in an hour to call for immediate action by the United Government. You decided to... - [[Head to the city hall to join them->Message the organizer to express interest]] - [[Go to the police first]] <img src="kidnap.png">

You arrive at the city hall to join the rally. Alongside the other protesters, you chant "Bring back our children! Bring back our youth! Bring back our peace!" You even shared a few livestreams of the rally. You decided to make a video dedicated to Jo: "Jo, if you are out there, we will find you! For those of you who want to help, Jo is in his 20s, dark hair, 6 feet 2... He drives a grey pickup truck with the license plate T0D3I!" You [[upload the video]]. <img src="upload.png">

You arrive at the police station. "I am worried that... my brother may be kidnapped and harmed by some Benih terrorist group" you tell the police officers while trying not to cry. You show them the video on your phone and point to them the young man who resembles Jo. The police look at each other. One of them sit you down and explains "Listen, we are still trying to double check all the information that's been shared online since yesterday. We can't really confirm if what's shown in this video is real just yet." - [[You are upset. It seems like police are not even trying to help.]] - [[You agree with what the police said]]

On your way home that day, you decided to make a video dedicated to Jo: "Jo, if you are out there, we will find you! For those of you who want to help, Jo is in his 20s, dark hair, 6 feet 2... He drives a grey pickup truck with the license plate TO9A4." You [[upload the video]].

On your way home, you decided to make a video dedicated to Jo: "Jo, if you are out there, we will find you! For those of you who want to help, Jo is in his 20s, dark hair, 6 feet 2... He drives a grey pickup truck with the license plate T3DO1." You [[upload the video]]. <img src="upload.png">

The police try to console you. They ask if you could provide some information about Jo so they could keep an eye on any relevant discoveries. You nod. "Jo is in his 20s, dark hair, 6 feet 2... He drives a grey pickup truck with the license plate T3D13." The officers freeze as they hear that. They gesture you to [[follow them->followed them]].

That night, you repeatedly check your phone to see if anyone has commented, but it seems like the app prioritizes videos that are sensational and outrageous to its users. You video only gets 100 views for the whole evening. Just when you are about to go to sleep, you hear someone knocking on your door. You [[open the door->opened the door]].

You are led to a small room. You sit on one side of the table while the officers sit on the other side. They take out a file folder and pass you a photograph. In the photograph, you see the familiar grey pickup truck, except it's so damaged, its frame distorted, and the front seats crushed into the broken windshell. You breathe heavily... You know this is Jo's car, but you don't want to believe it. //"Do you recognize this truck?"// the officer asks. "I think so..." you are still in disbelief. The officer [[passes you another photograph]]. <img src="truck.png">

In front of you stand two police officers. //"Are you Vita Mahoul?"// they asked. "Yes, how can I help you officer?" //"We have some information about your brother Jo. Would you mind coming with us?"// You freeze in surprise -- not entirely sure in a good or bad way. "Yes! Of course!" You put on a light jacket and followed them to the police car. You are soon brought to the police station. //"[[Please follow us->followed them]]"// they say.

//"This was found in the vehicle when we picked it up near the coast."// You look closer at the second picture, but this time you can't recognize the object in the photograph. It looks like a black phone, a pocket-sized device that looks slightly old-fashioned. You look up at the officer, hoping to get an explanation. //"It's a detonator... Vita, could you tell us more about your brother?"// You turn around, noticing that the door behind you leading to the hallway has now been closed. [[THE END]] <img src="door.png">

''What is this story about?'' //Misinformation// is more than outrageous conspiracy theories shared on social media. While technology certainly plays a role, the spread of misinformation (and information in general) is rooted in what Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall called ''"a social character of beliefs"'' in their book //The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread//. Looking back at how you navigated through Vita's storyline, [[consider the following 9 guiding questions... ->Have you thought about]]

''1.'' Have you ever considered the possibility that some videos and images shared on social media are fabricated? Do you notice that you are more likely to believe in something when an image or video is presented to you? [[Next]] <img src="kidnap.png">

''2'' Has it occured to you that you have not had the chance to see or understand the story from the other side? (For example, Vita never really had the chance to hear or understand what the Benihs have to say.) [[Next->Next1]] <img src="cry.png">

''3'' Has the idea of government transparency and accountability crossed your mind? (Not saying that state-owned media or governmenet officials should not be trusted, but we should exercise critical media literacy when it comes to claims that could have an underlying agenda.) [[Next->next2]] <img src="journalist.png">

''4'' How have social media algorithm and search engine results influenced what you see? [[Next->Next3]] <img src="videomine.png">

''5'' What are some social signals that guide your beliefs? Do you find yourself more easily believing in something because people around you believe them? Does people's level of authority or their attitude (kindness/unkindness) influence how much you trust them? [[Next->Next4]] <img src="overheard.png">

''6'' How has your emotion (e.g., fear, nervousness, grief, anger) influenced how you responded to a new piece of information? On the other hand, how many times have you (or people around you) shown indifference to information that you know may not be true? [[Next->next5]] <img src="selfie.png">

''7'' Have you been so mentally involved in what you are experiencing that you felt compelled to share information in the moment even if it could be misleading or biased? [[Next->next6]] <img src="upload.png">

''8'' How does power/internet shutdown affect how you consume and disseminate information? [[Next->next7]] <img src="charging.png">

''9'' Last but not least, have you considered the biases in historical and political discourse that were taught to you as the "default" or the "official truth"? (Recall the history overview you read in the beginning of the game, did you notice any potential bias?) ''[[''"What does this all mean?"''<-"What does this all mean?"]]'' you ask... <img src="benih.png">

With the story ending left intentionally open-ended to allow for your own interpretation of what has happened and what was true, it is our hope that this game helps you understand the pervasive nature of misinformation... and the imperfection in our individual judgement. [[''"So what can we do?"''->resources]] you ask...

The good news is -- we are not alone! While misinformation is dangerous, our collective efforts to fact-check, raise questions, and listen to each other could make a big difference. ''Did you know that there are [[many fact-checking organizations and networks]] around the world that could use your support?'' (psss... please go check out the list of fact-checking organizations and we will reveal an //unofficial// story ending afterwards.) <img src="factcheck.png">

''Here is a list you should definitely check out:'' (*I am not affilitated or paid by any of the following organizations... just wanted to share their great work.) - AFP Fact Check: <a href="https://factcheck.afp.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/AFPFactCheck" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Africa Check: <a href="https://africacheck.org/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/AfricaCheck" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Associated Press Fact Check: <a href="https://t.co/udkQ1Q00bq?amp=1" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/APFactCheck" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - BBC Reality Check: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/reality_check" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRealityCheck" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - International Fact-Checking Network (based in the US): <a href="https://www.poynter.org/ifcn/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/factchecknet" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - MediaSmarts (based in Canada): <a href="https://t.co/LJNH6i8oKL?amp=1" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/MediaSmarts" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Politifact (based in the US): <a href="https://www.politifact.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PolitiFact" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Snopes: <a href="http://t.co/10Or8rl3ff?amp=1" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/snopes" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Taiwan Fact Check Center (based in Taiwan): <a href="https://t.co/v60FBR7cA6?amp=1" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/taiwantfc" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Washington Post Fact Checker: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/" target="_blank">Website</a> [[Read the canon storyline<-Read the story ending]] [[Go back to the beginning and play again->click on the colored text.]]

''There were a couple of versions of the ending when the story was still being developed. Again, none of them really made it to the last cut because we decided to leave the ending particularly ambiguous and open for interpretation. But if you are scratching your head and want an answer really badly... consider this version:'' A few weeks after Vita's visit to the police station. The investigation team discovered what went behind the explosion. It turns out, the Bridge was bombed by a group funded by Enercom, the foreign energy company. The group recruits Benihs who are desparate, living in poverty, and dissatisfied with the current government. Essentially, Enercom wants to cut off the energy supply to Aswas island. They convinced those in the group to deliver a "secret package" to the captial to "teach the government a lesson." Not knowing they are transporting a bomb, the group happened to hijack Jo's truck that night. Neither Jo nor the group members in the truck knew that the package would explode half-way through the Bridge. They were never found. After the explosion, suspicion arises due to the ongoing political tension between the two islands. Some influencers even produced realistic social media videos trying to frame that the incident is indeed a political movement orchestrated by the independentists. It is unsure whether some of the content were produced or sponsored by Enercom. The rising tension, exacerbated by the online accusation, also influenced the decision-making of the government and military leadership. Maximum police force was deployed to monitor and arrest suspects within the Benih community. The "confession" of a Benih who admitted his involvement with pro-independence groups was in fact a forced confession after he was threatened during his arrest. ''//You've reached the end of the game//''