Combating the Digital Deluge: KMOP Hosts Public Forum on Fake News, Misinformation, and Hate Speech
In an era defined by the ubiquitous presence of digital technology, the proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and hate speech online poses a significant threat to the foundations of democracy, education, and social harmony. This digital deluge, characterized by the rapid and often unchecked spread of false or misleading information, disproportionately impacts young people, who are among the most active users of social media platforms. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, KMOP, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to social development, is hosting a crucial public discussion to address these critical issues and explore effective strategies for media literacy education.
The online forum, titled "Fake News, Misinformation, and Hate Speech in the Digital World," is scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30 EEST. Conducted in Greek, the event aims to foster a robust dialogue among educators, students, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the multifaceted challenges presented by online disinformation and to develop practical solutions for strengthening media literacy within educational settings. The discussion is particularly timely given the alarming statistics highlighted by Eurobarometer findings, which reveal that a staggering 83% of EU citizens perceive fake news as a threat to democracy, while 63% of young people report encountering deceptive or false content online at least weekly.
The forum will feature a distinguished panel of experts, including Zinovia Sapouna, a seasoned journalist and author; Elli Kaplani, a sociologist and researcher at KMOP; Dr. Dimitrios Tzimas, a computer scientist, high school principal, and former regional ICT education coordinator; Daphne Koufopanou-Bert, European Projects Manager at KMOP; and moderated by Antonis Klapsis, Associate Professor at the University of the Peloponnese and Vice-President of KMOP. Their combined expertise will provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of online misinformation and its impact on society.
The event will adopt a dynamic and interactive format, incorporating both open discussions and a practical workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations about the challenges of navigating the digital information landscape and explore effective tools, strategies, and best practices for fostering media literacy. The workshop component will provide hands-on training and equip attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to critically evaluate online information and identify misinformation.
KMOP extends this invitation to a diverse audience, recognizing the collective responsibility in combating the spread of fake news and promoting media literacy. The forum welcomes primary and secondary school teachers, adult educators, NGO and lifelong learning professionals, students in education and social sciences, mental health and youth counselling professionals, and creators and coordinators of educational digital media content. This inclusive approach underscores the importance of a multi-pronged strategy involving all stakeholders in the fight against online disinformation.
This public forum represents a crucial step in addressing the pervasive issue of online misinformation. By bringing together key stakeholders and fostering a collaborative environment, KMOP aims to empower individuals with the critical thinking skills and media literacy competencies necessary to navigate the digital world responsibly. The event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions for combating the spread of fake news and promoting informed citizenship. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance, further recognizing their commitment to this vital cause.
The event is organized within the framework of the MILES European project, a testament to KMOP’s ongoing dedication to promoting media literacy and empowering individuals to become discerning consumers of online information. Through this and other initiatives, KMOP strives to create a more informed and resilient society, capable of resisting the harmful effects of fake news, misinformation, and hate speech. For further details and registration, interested individuals can visit the provided link or contact KMOP directly. The organization’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and media literacy represents a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of disinformation in the digital age.