Title: Raising awareness of disinformation: how to avoid news pitfalls during elections
Introduction :
As elections approach, it is crucial to remain vigilant against disinformation and fake news that can compromise our ability to make informed decisions. This is why initiatives to raise awareness of misinformation are essential. In this article, we will focus on a campaign led by the Ituri Scout Association aimed at raising awareness among young people and protecting them against political manipulation. Let’s discover the actions taken and the recommendations made to combat disinformation during elections.
Awareness campaign for Ituri scouts:
The Ituri Scout Association recently launched an awareness campaign on disinformation during this electoral period. The objective is to encourage young people to demonstrate responsibility and discernment in the face of demagogic speeches from candidates. Around twenty young people from different associations participated in capacity building sessions where they were trained in the fight against disinformation and the detection of hate speech.
Avoid political manipulation:
According to François Kasereka, provincial commissioner of scouts in Ituri, it is essential for young people to refer to official sources and not fall into political manipulation. This awareness aims to provide them with the necessary tools to analyze information and distinguish real facts from false ones. It is also essential to use their critical thinking skills and encourage them to verify information before sharing it.
Recommendations from the youth of Ituri:
The Ituri youth parliament, involved in the awareness campaign, made recommendations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). They ask the CENI to increase awareness messages throughout the electoral process in order to help young people protect themselves against disinformation. They also underline the importance of popularizing electoral law and messages relating to the use of new technologies.
Conclusion :
Raising awareness about disinformation during elections is crucial to ensuring fair and transparent elections. Thanks to the actions undertaken by the Ituri Scout Association, many young people have been made aware of political manipulation and have acquired skills in spotting disinformation. The recommendations made by the youth of Ituri show the importance of continuing awareness-raising efforts and providing the necessary information to young voters. By remaining vigilant and relying on trusted sources, we can combat misinformation and make informed decisions in the upcoming election.