A Panel on Disinformation Was Held in Collaboration with Our University’s Faculty of Communication and the Mezitli District Directorate of National Education

In collaboration with the Mezitli District Directorate of National Education, our university’s Faculty of Communication organized a panel titled "In Pursuit of the Truth: Disinformation, Media Literacy, and Verification Methods," which addressed topics such as accessing accurate information in the digital age, combating disinformation, and media literacy. The panel, held on Thursday, November 5, at Şehit Özkan Demir Middle School, was attended by numerous school principals and teachers.

"Visual Anatomy of Disinformation" Exhibition Opened

Prior to the panel, an exhibition titled "Visual Anatomy of Disinformation" was inaugurated. The opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting by the Dean of our university’s Faculty of Communication, Prof. Dr. Aslıhan Ardıç Çobaner; the Mezitli District Director of National Education, Mehmet Badas; the panel moderator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Arslan; and the panelists, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Canan Dural Tasouji, Assoc. Prof. Dr. H. Mehmet Acar, and Lecturer Dr. Gülten Acar.

Various Dimensions of Disinformation Discussed

During the panel—moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Arslan—it was noted that disinformation has become a global issue that undermines social trust, shakes confidence in institutions, and can lead to erroneous decision-making. It was further emphasized that, given its capacity to mislead the public, disinformation can even reach into schools.

In the panel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Canan Dural Tasouji shared insights on digital media literacy and methods for accessing accurate information. H. Mehmet Acar addressed the risks posed by fake photos and videos created using artificial intelligence technologies and explored methods for verifying visual content. Meanwhile, Lecturer Dr. Gülten Acar provided participants with insights into the fundamental concepts of disinformation, the distinctions between misinformation and information disorder, and the various ways in which disinformation spreads.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms Discussed

The panel also examined the role of social media algorithms, user behavior, and artificial intelligence in the dissemination of misinformation. Emphasis was placed on the responsibilities of individuals, media organizations, and public institutions in ensuring access to accurate information.

The panel, which drew keen interest from the attendees, concluded with the presentation of flowers to the speakers, followed by a group photograph.

Press and Public Relations Department