UN Marks Global Media and Information Literacy Week: A Call to Combat Misinformation
As the world marks Global Media and Information Literacy Week, the United Nations is urging people to be more mindful of the content they share online.
In a social media post on the United Nation’s X account, the UN emphasised the real-world consequences of misinformation, which can leave people uninformed, vulnerable, and even in danger.
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In an era dominated by social media, misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly, often without people verifying the accuracy of the content.
The UN’s message is a reminder of the importance of fact checking before sharing information online. "Pause to verify facts by asking basic questions before sharing content online," the UN advised, calling for responsible digital behaviour.
Misinformation, which refers to the unintentional spread of false information, and disinformation, which is the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods, pose serious risks in today’s connected world.
From public health crises to elections and humanitarian issues, misleading information can fuel distrust, deepen divisions, and even incite violence.
In extreme cases, disinformation campaigns have been used to undermine democratic processes or escalate conflicts.
The dangers of these false narratives became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, where misinformation about vaccines and treatments put millions at risk.
Similarly, false reports during crises or disasters can mislead communities, hampering rescue efforts and creating confusion.
During Global Media and Information Literacy Week, the UN calls on individuals, governments, and tech platforms to play their part in combating misinformation.
For individuals, this means taking responsibility by verifying facts and sources before sharing content. For governments and platforms, it involves promoting media literacy, supporting fact-checking organisations, and regulating harmful disinformation more effectively.
In an age of information overload, being a responsible digital citizen means recognising that what we share online can have far-reaching implications. Media literacy is key to building informed and resilient societies.
