Melisa Basol: The German Social Psychologist Battling Disinformation with ‘Go Viral!’
In the age of the internet, misinformation has emerged as a significant problem—particularly in the health industry. But one German entrepreneur, Dr. Melisa Basol, has risen to challenge it. Contrary to typical startups that prioritize revenue, her project, Go Viral!, is a not-for-profit endeavor that seeks to combat misinformation with a novel social intervention game.
The Birth of ‘Go Viral!’
At the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, misinformation traveled at a faster pace than facts, causing confusion and mistrust. To counter it, Basol, in collaboration with the UK Cabinet Office, created Go Viral! in 2021.
This game is founded on inoculation theory—a psychological principle that enables individuals to resist persuasion by exposing them to weakened versions of misinformation. Just as a vaccine makes the body immune to disease, Go Viral! makes individuals immune to identifying and rejecting misleading information.
Global Recognition and Impact
Since its inception, Go Viral! has had the support of leading organizations such as UNESCO, the United Nations (UN), and the World Health Organization (WHO). It has gained popularity across the globe, with over 1.4 million downloads and being made available in 13 languages.
Beyond Entrepreneurship: Melissa Basol’s Influence
Born in 1995, Basol is not only an entrepreneur—she is a prominent social psychologist and evidence-based policymaking advocate. In 2022, she was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe for her work in addressing misinformation.
She regularly speaks on global media outlets such as BBC World and TEDx, providing expert commentary on how to combat fake news, vaccine skepticism, and public trust.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Melisa Basol’s contributions are a stark reflection of goal-oriented entrepreneurship. By doing her work at Go Viral!, she is not only combinating fake news but empowering individuals with tools to critically evaluate and make fact-based decisions.
As the misinformation evolves, so does its mission. Her expertise, study, and diligence make her forge the path of a more empowered and stronger society.