Beginners Pathway

Beginners Pathway

Assuming only other people fall for trolls is a key indicator of our susceptibility. This pathway takes you from zero to Disinfolklore-literate in five steps. No prior knowledge required — just a willingness to look at how narrative shapes your mind.

Step 1: Understand the Problem

Read: Why Disinfolklore?

Why “disinformation” is not enough. Disinfolklore names the narrative form — the folkloristic structure — that carries false claims into our minds and makes them stick. This is the elevator pitch.

Step 2: Meet the Troll

Read: Trolling and Trolls → Three Billy-Goats’ Gruff

A troll is not just an internet nuisance. In the Disinfolklore framework, trolling is any emotion-moving activity — positive, negative, or neutral. The Norwegian folk tale of the Three Billy-Goats’ Gruff encodes the entire mechanism: a bridge, a guardian beneath it, and three travellers who must cross.

Step 3: Feel the Energy

Read: Mana → Tool 3: Mana in the Meme

Every meme (visual, audible, or textual) carries energy — Mana. Learning to detect the Mana in a meme is the single most practical skill in the framework. Ask yourself: “What is the Mana in this meme?”

Step 4: Learn the Test

Read: Tool 6: Code of Positive Trolls

The six-criteria test for any meme: Is it Generous? Is it Right? Does it carry positive Energy? Is it Patient? Is it Mindful? Is it Wise? If it passes, share it. If it doesn’t, reject it or rearchetype it.

Step 5: Protect Your Inner Realm

Read: Outer Realm → Tool 2: Troll Radars

Disinfolklore targets your Inner Realm — the mental space where archetypes live. The Troll Radars (Incoming and Outgoing) are your first line of defence. Learn to scan what’s coming at you and what you’re sending out.

What You Now Know

After these five steps, you can:

  • Recognise that Disinfolklore operates through narrative, not just false facts
  • Identify trolling as emotion-moving activity (not just online abuse)
  • Detect the Mana (energy/intention) in any meme
  • Apply the Code of Positive Trolls to decide what to share
  • Protect your Inner Realm with Troll Radars

Ready for More?