Dysturb imaginary beverage cans displayed prominently on a busy city street, promoting media literacy.

Dysturb’s Imaginary Beverage “Source.s” Tackles Fake News with Striking Street Campaign

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Written by John Oliver

2026-10-27

Introducing Source.s: The Fictional Drink with a Real Impact

Paris-based nonprofit Dysturb has ingeniously launched “Source.s,” a fictional beverage designed to provoke thought on fake news. This imaginative drink debuted across Paris and New York streets in October 2026, featuring murals, posters, and even tangible promotional cans, catching the eyes of passersby.

Artist holding a can of Dysturb's imaginary beverage amidst urban background.

While “Source.s” might seem like just another drink brand with its pale blue aluminum cans and oversized navy lettering, it’s the hidden message that makes it intriguing. The campaign uses a cleverly simulated “informational value” label, highlighting 0% fake news and 100% critical thinking, with slogans urging readers to question the validity of the information they consume.

Two Source.s cans introduce Dysturb’s fake beverage and its media-literacy campaign.
two Source.s cans introduce Dysturb’s fake beverage and its media-literacy campaign | images courtesy Dysturb

Creative Campaigns in Paris and New York

The Source.s campaign takes on unique aesthetics in different cities. In Paris, it draws inspiration from bistro drinks with vibrant yellow typography against photo backgrounds, prominently displayed on the Quai de Valmy and in surrounding quartiers. Meanwhile, in New York, the presentation shifts to a wellness focus, with bright skies and sunlit architecture serving as backdrops for these promotional efforts.

Similarly transformative campaigns like WESR’s Peruvian Folklore Murals in Berlin explore cultural themes through striking street art.

Interestingly, Dysturb incorporates AI-generated imagery to enhance the authenticity of the campaign visuals, offering a critique on the legitimacy of digital content.

Rows of Source.s cans create a convincing commercial identity for the imaginary drink.
rows of Source.s cans give the imaginary drink a convincing commercial identity

A Health Warning in Disguise

The campaign intensifies its message through small-print posters, drawing parallels between fake news and contaminated sources. Saying “Excessive consumption of fake news is hazardous to democracy,” it effectively extends the drink metaphor to misinformation. QR codes complement these advertisements, connecting people to more information online.

Through Source.s, Dysturb offers a fresh approach, using commercial advertising stratagems to make audiences question seemingly credible messages reliant on professional graphics and familiar branding. This clever vehicle is designed to spark dialogue on the importance of critical media literacy.

Street posters prompt passersby to ‘hydrate your mind, filter your feed’ with critical thinking.
street posters invite passersby to ‘hydrate your mind, filter your feed’

Beyond the Streets: Educational Initiatives

Source.s features prominently in Dysturb’s Anti Fake News Club, which includes five media-literacy guides available in English, French, and Spanish. These guides delve into misinformation mechanics and promote critical thinking through practical exercises.

The organization is also developing “JustCheck,” a verification platform designed to help users critically evaluate content credibility. The campaign sets the stage with physical installations, inviting people to consider why professional graphics and familiar branding can make a message seem credible.

Discover more about how fictional branding can question reality with Thomas Albdorf’s Illusive Still Lifes, which creatively redefines authenticity through digital manipulation.

Source.s can displayed in front of large-scale installation in Paris promoting media literacy.
a Source.s can appears in front of the campaign’s large-scale installation in Paris

Ultimately, by positioning Source.s in public spaces as a plausible product, its true intent—prompting scrutiny of its metaphorical label—comes to the forefront.

Bold posters in New York encourage viewers to question news sources critically.
bold posters in New York urge viewers to question their sources and think critically about the news
Informational label on can lists 0% fake news, 100% critical thinking.
the can’s informational label lists 0% fake news and 100% critical thinking
Lifestyle imagery and bright yellow slogans communicate Dysturb's media-literacy message on streets.
lifestyle imagery and bright yellow slogans bring Dysturb’s media-literacy message to the streets
Dysturb imaginary beverage campaign visual showcasing creative street art elements and public engagement.
Dysturb imaginary beverage cans displayed prominently on a busy city street, promoting media literacy.

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Source.s campaign?

The Source.s campaign is designed to provoke thought on fake news and encourage critical thinking by using a fictional beverage to question the validity of the information people consume.

How does Dysturb incorporate AI in the Source.s campaign?

Dysturb uses AI-generated imagery to enhance the authenticity of the campaign visuals, offering a critique on the legitimacy of digital content.

What educational initiatives are included in the Source.s campaign?

Source.s features prominently in Dysturb’s Anti Fake News Club, which includes five media-literacy guides available in English, French, and Spanish, as well as developing a verification platform called ‘JustCheck’ to help users critically evaluate content credibility.

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