As a part of the workshop series within the scope of the project “Utilizing Digital Technology for Social Cohesion, Positive Messaging and Peace by Boosting Collaboration, Exchange and Solidarity”, the sixth workshop “Media Literacy Workshop: Fact or Fiction?” took place on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024. The workshop facilitated by Elida Zylbeari from Metamorphosis Foundation was held at the Hrant Dink Foundation with 6 participants aged between 16-22.

The workshop began with defining information and discussing how participants access information through different tools. Then, Elida Zylbeari explained why obtaining accurate information is important. By addressing different types of information pollution, Zylbeari defined the concepts of misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation. The workshop continued with a group activity where participants identified the types of information pollution they encounter in their daily lives. Following this activity, Zylbeari defined echo chambers and highlighted how they are one of the barriers to accessing accurate information. She discussed the polarizing effect of false information that is spread through echo chambers on digital platforms.

In the second part of the workshop, Zylbeari discussed various tools that can be used to detect disinformation, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking skills. She mentioned that false information can appear in different forms, such as text and visuals, and that fact-checking methods may vary accordingly. Zylbeari explained in detailed the methods and tools that facilitate the detection of bots, manipulated images, and AI-generated content on social media platforms. Sharing these tools with the participants, Zylbeari concluded the workshop by emphasizing that fact-checking is primarily a practice based on questioning the content that comes our way.

This project is financed by the European Union.