About
First Draft was an internationally recognized non-profit organization that operated from 2015 to 2022, focused on combating the spread of online mis- and disinformation. The organization brought together journalists, researchers, educators, and policymakers to develop tools, frameworks, and training for navigating the complex modern information ecosystem. Now preserved in perpetuity by the Internet Archive, the First Draft website serves as a comprehensive knowledge repository organized into six key areas: foundational thinking pieces that define and contextualize information disorder; original research reports studying polluted information environments; training courses designed to help individuals identify and respond to misinformation; practical tips, guides, and graphics for classroom or community use; specialized resources on the impact of misinformation on elections globally; and dedicated content examining how misinformation affects public health. The platform is particularly valuable for journalists, educators, researchers, and civic organizations seeking evidence-based frameworks for understanding and addressing misinformation. All content is available under CC BY 4.0, making it freely reusable with proper attribution. Whether you are building a media literacy curriculum, conducting academic research, or training a newsroom, First Draft's archived resources remain a gold-standard reference for information disorder.
Key Features
- Research Reports: Nine in-depth reports studying the complex dynamics of polluted information environments and the spread of misinformation.
- Training Courses: Structured training programs to help individuals and organizations identify, understand, and respond effectively to information disorder.
- Thinking Frameworks: 18 foundational pieces providing definitions, context, and conceptual frameworks for understanding the contemporary information ecosystem.
- Tips, Guides & Graphics: 11 practical resources suitable for classroom use or community sharing, covering fact-checking methods and media literacy skills.
- Specialized Topic Collections: Curated collections focusing on the unique impact of misinformation on elections and public health globally.
Use Cases
- Journalists and newsrooms building verification workflows and fact-checking skills using evidence-based frameworks.
- Educators developing media literacy curricula for students using First Draft's training courses and practical guides.
- Researchers studying misinformation dynamics by referencing the organization's published reports and analytical frameworks.
- Civic organizations training staff and volunteers to identify and counter health or election-related misinformation.
- Policy analysts leveraging academic-quality research on information disorder to inform public communication or regulatory strategies.
Pros
- Free & Open Access: All content is freely available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license, allowing broad reuse with proper attribution.
- Comprehensive & Authoritative: Content spans theory, original research, and practical training produced by leading experts in journalism and media literacy over seven years.
- Perpetually Archived: Hosted by the Internet Archive, ensuring long-term accessibility of all materials for educators and researchers.
Cons
- No Longer Actively Updated: First Draft ceased operations in 2022, so the archive does not reflect the latest developments in misinformation research or AI-generated content threats.
- Static Archive Only: The site is read-only with no interactive tools, community features, or real-time fact-checking capabilities.
- Limited AI-Era Coverage: Resources predate the recent surge in AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes, so some guidance may not address these newer challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Draft still active?
No. First Draft operated from 2015 to 2022. The website is now hosted in perpetuity by the Internet Archive as a static, freely accessible resource.
Can I reuse First Draft's content?
Yes. Unless otherwise noted, all content is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. You may use the materials as long as you give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.
What topics does the archive cover?
The archive covers information disorder theory, original research reports, training courses, practical guides and graphics, and specialized resources on misinformation in elections and public health.
Who is the target audience for First Draft's resources?
The resources are aimed at journalists, educators, researchers, civic organizations, and anyone seeking to understand or actively combat online mis- and disinformation.
How are the resources organized?
Resources are grouped into six categories: Our Thinking, Our Research, Our Training, Our Tips/Guides/Graphics, Our Work on Elections, and Our Work on Public Health.
