# Cranky Uncle > Game to learn rhetorical techniques and logical fallacies used to deny science. (iPhone/iPad app by Skeptical Science.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cranky-uncle/id1531525625 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Skeptical Science](https://appshunter.io/developer/1531525867) - Category: Games, Education - Price: Free - Rating: 3.50/5 from 25 App Store ratings · 63 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 12+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 15 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2020-12-15 - Data updated: 2026-08-15 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cranky-uncle/id1531525625/reviews.md ## What is Cranky Uncle? We all have a cranky uncle who thinks he knows better than the world’s scientists. But how do you make sense of his arguments and conspiracy theories? The way to understand your cranky uncle is to become a cranky uncle! If you’re going to spot someone cheating at cards, first you have to learn how to cheat at cards. In this game, Cranky Uncle teaches you the rhetorical techniques and logical fallacies he uses to deny science. Climate change, evolution, vaccination, a round Earth - he’s never met a science he wouldn’t deny! The deeper you get into the game, the more resilient you become against misinformation. ## Key features - Identify rhetorical techniques - Spot logical fallacies - Counter science denial arguments - Build resilience against misinformation - Learn about climate change denial - Understand evolution denial tactics ## What do users think of Cranky Uncle? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 💡 Great concept for learning - 👍 Fun and engaging way to learn - 🧠 Teaches critical thinking skills - 🎯 Effective against misinformation - 😂 Humorous and engaging content - 🎓 Useful for educational purposes - 🚀 Works well for some users - 💡 Innovative approach to education - 💯 Good for understanding fallacies **Cons** - 🐛 App doesn't work for many - 🐛 Blank screens and loading issues - 🐛 Incoherent and untested - 🐛 Dialogue boxes don't fit screens - 🐛 Requires email sign-in - 🐛 Punctuation and text overflow issues - 🐛 Accused of stealing info - 🐛 Glitchy performance - 🐛 Not recommended by some **Commonly reported bugs** - App stuck on start/loading screen - Blank screens after sign-in - Quizzes not loading - Dialogue boxes not fitting on screen - App crashes on submit - Progress not updating - Learn more button loops back - App glitches and runs Bitcoin (user claim) - Half screen blank - Login process problematic **Most requested features** - More polish and refinement - More levels and content - International users need familiar references - Reconsider encouraging quick answers for points - Add dark mode option - Improve punctuation and text display ## Recent user reviews (10 of 63) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cranky-uncle/id1531525625/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2026-08-13, version 4.3* The game doesn’t even work. It just is stuck to the “start playing” page. Such high hopes I had, such a let down. ### 1/5 — not working *2026-01-22, version 4.2* app doesn't work, just stuck on the start playing, there's nothing under denial, about or progress, all blank ### 1/5 — Not working *2026-01-16, version 4.2* Doesn’t even work ### 1/5 — Cranky Uncle is a Fake Expert *2025-01-26, version 3.8.0* Developed by Skeptical Science, a website devoted to true ‘Climate Science’, and against real scientific discussion, the app brands as ‘misinformation’ anything that questions the status quo IPCC view, and it brands as a ‘fake expert’ any retired physics professor from Princeton. But Climate Science relies upon the basics of physics: Arrhenius, Stefan and Boltzmann, Tyndall, Planck … they were ALL physicists. It’s this app that’s the Fake Expert! ### 2/5 — Good idea, but underdone *2025-01-24, version 3.8.0* Good concept, but really incoherent. It is like it was not tested in house. Working through the app, it’s unclear if you are meant to answer a question yourself, or from the uncles perspective. ### 5/5 — Hilarious and Effective *2024-12-19, version 3.8.0* An unusual but effective and funny way to learn how to navigate conversations with climate deniers. The app could be more polished, but it’s fun and fully functional. Also, a lot of the reviews from quite a while ago say you need to enter an email before you can do anything. You don’t anymore. ### 5/5 — Crank Your Thinking Up! *2024-07-01, version 3.8.0* Ok, the simple cartoon sequential format is not your all-singing-dancing game app! But the 5 star rating is for how this App is carefully crafted to engage you in a fun but very serious way to teach you essential skills in our social media world where everyone is an “expert”. Unlike just reading about a topic, this game format makes you think actively all the way through. The Cranky Uncle teaches you and defines all his science-denying strategies. Then he quizzes you so you know you can spot and outwit how he operates. The higher your score the more cranky you make him! Three suggestions. For international users some of the US famous names aren’t familiar. I didn’t realise until the end that what was on his head was the tinfoil hat - and I’m not sure everyone would know why cranks might wear a tinfoil hat!! Encouraging you to answer quickly (to earn more points) doesn’t seem right to me: critical thinking is “slow thinking” and should take all the time an individual needs to get good answers! ### 1/5 — Stupid *2024-02-10, version 3.4.0* It sounded like it would be good but honestly not really. ### 5/5 — Should be part of every school syllabus *2024-01-07, version 3.4.0* I am so heartened to see this app exists. Full of necessary information and a great way to help children and young adults (or old) navigate politics on social media. Hopefully this app will continue to get the funding it deserves and continue to be further refined and maintained. ### 5/5 — Der Typ *2023-12-15, version 3.3.0* Er sieht Crazy aus ## Frequently asked questions about Cranky Uncle ### What does the Cranky Uncle app do? This app teaches you the rhetorical techniques and logical fallacies commonly used to deny science. By understanding these tactics, you can become more resilient against misinformation on topics like climate change, evolution, and vaccination. ### What are the key features of Cranky Uncle? The app focuses on teaching you how to identify rhetorical techniques and logical fallacies. It helps you understand the arguments used to deny science and builds your resilience against misinformation. ### Is Cranky Uncle free to use? Yes, the app is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, indicating a completely free experience for users. ### Who is the target audience for this app? The app is designed for anyone who wants to understand and counter arguments and conspiracy theories that deny scientific consensus. It's particularly useful for those interested in building resilience against misinformation. ### What kind of scientific topics does the app cover? The app addresses denial of science across various topics, including climate change, evolution, vaccination, and the shape of the Earth. It aims to equip users to critically analyze arguments related to these and other scientific subjects. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.3 — 2026-03-30 This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. Updated level score logic. Fixed Croatian translations. Fixed fallacy question options. ### 4.2 — 2025-10-04 Polish language added to the app. ### 4.0 — 2025-08-09 Updated endpoint API ### 3.9.0 — 2025-03-06 Added new language locales, fixed scoring issues. ### 3.8.0 — 2024-05-29 Added Romanian locale. Restyled Trail and Score screens. ## Related topics [cranky uncle](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cranky-uncle) · [skeptical science](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/skeptical-science) · [spot the fallacy](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spot-the-fallacy) · [fallacy](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/fallacy) · [the skeptic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/the-skeptic) · [mythbusters](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mythbusters) · [debunked](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/debunked) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-15.*