Rawalpindi: In an Seminar arranged by the Accountability Lab Pakistan held at the Rawalpindi Press Club where speakers discussed the key drivers and impacts of fake news and disinformation upon Society, especially on our youth and Role of Journalism.
The event was Chaired by Incharge Rawalpindi Press Club Ms Shakela Jalil: Ms. Shazia Mehboob Editor Digital Media Plat form “The PenPK.com, and Mr. Javed Rana senior journalist and analyst CEO/The Editor of The Digital Dispatch, an Investigative Multimedia Digital Magazine were among the key speakers. The event was attended by a large number of Journalist from various print and electronic media houses.
Mr. Javed Rana while speaking to the event said, that digital media has overtaken mainstream media. People, especially the youth, have the urge to know what is happening in the state and tend to believe whatever they see on social media. He furthermore said that as a responsible journalist, it is our duty to seek facts and provide authentic information to the public to reduce the risk of spreading misinformation and fake news.
While Ms. Shazia Mehboob said that with the massive growth in the digital media industry, the flow of information has increased. A single piece of information is presented in a hundred different ways by different social media influencers and since many people follow such influencers, they quickly accept the credibility of the news without knowing it. She further said that it is the duty of responsible journalists to provide factual information to the public and educate them about media literacy and the right to information.
Incharge of Rawalpindi Press Club said that the concept of fake news and misinformation is old. But social media and the internet have increased this fake news and misinformation trend. So it’s very important that to secure our youth from the negative effects of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
Accountability Lab (AL) is a think tank that exists to make governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders, and accountable institutions. The Lab is building a movement of active citizens and responsible leaders across the country supporting them to use information and knowledge for better public service delivery and positive social and economic change.
