In a step to combat the rise of online misinformation and disinformation, a project titled “The Road to Inclusive Narratives” has been launched.
This initiative, backed by funding from the Anna Lindh Foundation and currently in its pilot phase, emphasizes the practical application of lessons from an intensive misinformation training program, which ran from October 23rd to 1st November 2024. The project aims to turn knowledge into measurable action, ensuring communities are better equipped to handle and respond to digital falsehoods.
A Comprehensive Campaign Strategy
The heart of this effort is a regional digital campaign managed by 16 NGOS that seek to engage diverse groups—particularly youth and vulnerable communities—while also reaching the general public in regions significantly impacted by misinformation.
Building a strong foundation: the training course
To ensure the effectiveness of these efforts, all project participants have undergone a comprehensive training course titled “Understanding, Identifying and Countering Misinformation and Disinformation”. This training comprises essential modules designed to build a solid foundation for combating misinformation.
For example, in the module 2 titled “an emerging threat”, participants explored the growing dangers posed by misinformation, covering topics such as:
- The impact of misinformation in international policy.
- The disruptive role of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media.
- The societal and intercultural implications of misinformation, with a particular focus on the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Resilient mindsets and digital citizenship are also two important elements of the training that was delivered over a period of 12 hours.
Learners discovered the psychological aspects that influence how individuals accept or reject false information. They were trained to understand the psychological dimensions of misinformation and they learned about the ethical responsibilities of digital citizens, including behaviors to counter misinformation, fact-checking information before sharing, identifying and escaping from bubbles and echo chambers.
How African Media Is making use of the training
The target audience most relevant to African Media Malta which is part of this project are migrant communities and the general public. Notably, migrant communities receive a negative narrative coming from echo chambers and online bubbles where members comfort themselves in their bias and exclude all dissonant voices, even those backed by reliable sources.
Timeline and Execution
The project, which began implementation on October 21st, 2024, will continue until December 15th, 2024. During this period, the combined efforts of all involved stakeholders will be crucial to counteracting the pervasive threat of misinformation. By turning theoretical training into impactful actions, “The Road to Inclusive Narratives” hopes to empower communities, promote digital literacy, and pave the way for a more informed and resilient society.
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