“FAKEWORLD” Conference: A Resounding Success in Addressing Media Literacy

The “FAKEWORLD – Navigating the Maze of Fake News” conference, recently held at the European Parliament, proved to be an overwhelming success, drawing significant attention to the crucial issue of media literacy. Co-hosted by MEP Márton Gyöngyösi (Non-Attached Member of the European Parliament) and the PROSUM Foundation, the event effectively highlighted the urgent need to educate the public on identifying reliable information amidst the sea of misinformation prevalent today.

Success of the FAKEWORLD Conference

The conference brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, all dedicated to combating fake news and promoting media literacy. The high turnout and engaged participation underscored the importance of this issue in the current global context. Attendees lauded the event for its timely and relevant focus, given the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

Speakers, including Levente Nagy-Pál CEO from PROSUM and Róbert László from Political Capital, provided valuable insights into the detrimental impact of misinformation. They emphasized that the spread of fake news can lead to significant social and economic consequences, such as widening social gaps and influencing elections based on false information. Their presentations resonated with the audience, who acknowledged the necessity of developing critical media consumption skills to mitigate these risks.

Presentation of the E-Learning Platform

A key highlight of the conference was the introduction of the PROSUM Foundation’s innovative E-Learning platform. Funded by the Erasmus+ program, this platform aims to equip citizens and young adults with the skills needed to recognize fake news and understand the dynamics of misinformation on social media.

The E-Learning course begins with an overview of various media outlets and scales, progressing to more detailed modules on different types of media, including news, fake news, and deep fakes. The course utilizes a range of resources, such as videos, written materials, and interactive questionnaires, to enhance learning and track progress. Each module concludes with a quiz to assess the participant’s understanding of the material.

Importance of Media Literacy

The speakers underscored the vital importance of media literacy in today’s digital age. They highlighted how sustainable media consumption, defined as the conscious effort to consume information from trusted sources and critically analyze its validity, is essential for making informed decisions. This concept is particularly crucial as misinformation can lead to harmful social and economic outcomes, such as panic buying and exacerbating social divides.

By promoting sustainable media consumption, the conference aimed to foster a culture of critical examination of information. This approach helps individuals make informed choices, thereby reducing the spread of fake news and its adverse effects.

Accessibility and Reach

The E-Learning platform is free and accessible to everyone interested in developing their media literacy skills. Users can register with their name and email address to start the interactive courses. The platform’s user-friendly design ensures that it caters to a wide audience, from high school students to adults seeking to expand their knowledge and participate in online education.

The presentation of the E-Learning platform at the conference was met with enthusiastic approval. Attendees appreciated the platform’s comprehensive approach to media literacy, recognizing its potential to significantly impact how individuals consume and interact with information.

Conclusion

The “FAKEWORLD” conference successfully highlighted the critical issue of media literacy and the need for sustainable media consumption. The introduction of the PROSUM Foundation’s E-Learning platform marks a significant step forward in equipping individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the complex media landscape. By fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making, this initiative promises to strengthen democratic processes and promote societal cohesion. The conference’s success underscores the importance of continued efforts to educate the public on media literacy, ensuring a more informed and resilient society.

Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.