Factitious – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Factitious

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2014

85%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

A fact-checking game that teaches kids to spot fake news before they share that conspiracy theory in the family group chat.

Factitious

app

Everyone, 2014

85%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

A fact-checking game that teaches kids to spot fake news before they share that conspiracy theory in the family group chat.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Factitious is one of those rare educational games that actually addresses a real problem kids face today: figuring out what's true online. It's not flashy or addictive (which is actually a feature, not a bug), but it teaches practical skills in a way that feels more engaging than a worksheet.

The game presents real and fake news articles, and players decide which is which. It's simple, effective, and surprisingly good at highlighting the subtle differences between credible journalism and clickbait nonsense. Perfect for a classroom setting or a family activity where you can talk through the reasoning together.

That said, it's not going to compete with actual video games for attention. Think of it more like a really good interactive lesson—valuable, worth doing, but not something kids will beg to play on a Saturday morning. Use it as a tool, not entertainment, and it shines.

Age Fit

Best for tweens and teens (roughly 10+) who are starting to consume news independently and navigate social media. Younger kids won't have the context or reading level to engage meaningfully. High schoolers will benefit most from the critical thinking practice.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Educational game focused on media literacy with no toxic elements, chaotic pacing, or inappropriate content. Promotes critical thinking and healthy skepticism about information sources—skills that build confidence rather than cynicism.

Imaginative

Presents real-world problem-solving through news evaluation rather than open-ended creativity. The game format makes fact-checking interactive and engaging, but it's more analytical than imaginative. It's clever in its approach but doesn't invite building or free exploration.

Safe

Browser-based educational game with no monetization concerns, social features, or addictive mechanics. Content is news-focused which could occasionally include mature topics, but the format is inherently educational and controlled. No ads, no data harvesting, no infinite loops.

Enriching

Directly teaches critical media literacy—arguably one of the most important skills for digital citizens. Players learn to distinguish real from fake news by evaluating sources, headlines, and content. Practical, immediately applicable skill-building that addresses a genuine modern challenge.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches actual media literacy skills that kids need right now—how to evaluate sources, spot clickbait, and think critically about what they see online
Free, browser-based tool with no ads, no data harvesting, no monetization schemes—just pure educational value
Works great as a conversation starter about misinformation, bias, and how to be a smarter digital citizen
Recommended by Digital Wellness Lab and Common Sense Education alongside similar tools like Bad News
Turns a serious topic into an interactive challenge rather than a lecture

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What to Watch For

News articles may occasionally touch on mature or political topics—best played with adult guidance for younger tweens
Limited replay value—once you get the hang of spotting fake news patterns, the game loses its challenge
More of an educational exercise than a traditional game—don't expect Fortnite-level engagement

Conversation Starters

"What clues helped you figure out if that article was real or fake?"
"Have you ever seen something online that turned out to be false? How did you find out?"
"Why do you think people create fake news? What do they get out of it?"
"How can we check if something is true before we share it with friends?"

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