SWABI: Speakers at a seminar here on Thursday stressed the need for promoting responsible journalism to combat fake news and misinformation being spread through social media platforms.

The seminar titled “Identifying and stopping fake news” was organised at Women University Swabi (WUS) by department of journalism. Students of different departments attended the seminar.

The seminar was aimed at raising awareness about misinformation and its impact on society. It was meant to equip participants with essential skills to detect and counter fake news.

Head of journalism department Waseem Khattak said that social media had a far-reaching impact on environment. “Majority of people in society are illiterate and every person just with a click of smart phone can connect with the entire world but it is not certain that the news he is getting through social media is correct or incorrect. “Here lies the dilemma of the prevailing situation,” he added.

He spoke in detail about the rapid spread of misinformation, reasons behind its prevalence and the dangers it posed to individuals and institutions. “The present era is an era of extreme care and there is a need for hard work to discover the truth,” he remarked.

Prof Mansoor Khan said that social media algorithms, emotional appeal and lack of verification contributed to widespread dissemination of fake news across the globe. “There is a need for a mechanism to enhance understanding. Interactive activities should be conducted while engaging students in practical fact-checking exercises,” he added.

Other speakers stressed the need for promoting responsible journalism to combat fake news, misinformation and sensationalism. They highlighted the importance of critical thinking and digital literacy to prevent spread of misinformation.

Participants were informed about verification of news sources, identification of sensationalised content and use of fact-checking tools.

Students said that some time it was difficult to extract truth from sources because officials refused to share information with reporters. They said that it was responsibility of government to prevent flow of fake news.

Faculty members of the university said that social media was passing through a transitional period and it would take time to get mature.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2025