Bulgaria: the fight against fake news

Pernik, Bulgaria: 30 April 2024

In today’s digital age, information travels at the speed of light. With this speed comes the challenge of distinguishing between fact and fiction. Fake news has become increasingly prevalent, affecting various aspects of our society, including politics, health and culture. Fake news is a key way in which racism and hatred proliferate in our society. Myths and stereotypes can be reported as fact and spread with alarming speed, with real-world, off-line consequences.

That’s why the team of the Regional Youth Center Foundation (RMC) organized training for students from the secondary schools Vasil Levski in Breznik and Temelko Nenkov in Pernik, to teach them how to identify and evaluate the reliability of online content and the fight against fake news.

The course was divided into several sessions covering topics such as understanding misinformation, recognizing the tactics used by fake news creators, fact-checking and critical thinking. During the training, the students were introduced to different types of fake news. They learned about the psychological techniques used by fake news creators to lure readers, such as sensational headlines, emotional manipulation, and confirmation bias. Participants also discussed the impact of social media on the spread of misinformation and the role that recommendation algorithms play in promoting content.

A key focus of the training was the practical application of critical thinking skills. Students were encouraged to analyze sources of information, check facts and question the motivation behind a story. They engaged in activities that allowed them to identify potential red flags in online content, such as unreliable URLs, lack of authorship, or conflicting details.

Student feedback on the training was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the interactive nature of the sessions and the opportunity to engage in discussions with peers and professionals. Some even shared that they had already spotted fake news in their own social media feeds and were able to debunk it thanks to what they learned during the training. In addition, teachers reported an increased interest among students in media literacy and a desire to continue learning beyond the programme.

In a world where access to information has never been easier, it is essential that young people are equipped with the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. Through its innovative training, supported by a grant from MRG’s MARIO programme, RMC has taken a leading role in the fight against fake news and preparing future generations to become informed citizens. By continuing to invest in media literacy education and awareness, we can work together towards a more informed society, able to make better decisions based on accurate and reliable sources of information.