Media and Information Literacy: A Crucial Weapon Against Disinformation in Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar – The proliferation of disinformation, particularly during critical periods like elections and global pandemics, poses a significant threat to democratic processes and societal well-being. This alarming trend was the central focus of a virtual launch event held on October 24, 2020, for the Myanmar edition of “Journalism, Fake News and Disinformation.” The event marked the commencement of Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week in Myanmar, underscoring the importance of empowering citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex information landscape. Experts at the event, including local and international journalists and communication specialists, reached a consensus: MIL is the essential tool in combating the rising tide of disinformation.
The impact of information disorder transcends personal grievances, permeating all facets of life – economic, political, social, and cultural – as emphasized by Ms. Min Jeong Kim, Head of UNESCO Myanmar Office. Dr. Julie Posetti, co-editor of the launched publication, echoed this sentiment, highlighting in a video message the disruptive influence of disinformation on democratic processes worldwide. She pointed to the “weaponization” of the internet, enabling the spread of false narratives and manipulation of public opinion. “Journalism, Fake News and Disinformation” provides crucial context, drawing upon past experiences in tackling unprofessional journalism practices and offering guidance for navigating the current information landscape. Dr. Posetti also raised concerns about targeted online harassment campaigns, particularly those aimed at women journalists, which can escalate into real-world violence.
The Myanmar context provides a stark illustration of disinformation’s potency. Mr. Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor of The Voice Journal, revealed that during elections, disinformation campaigns flourish, often involving the dissemination of rumors, libelous accusations against candidates, and hate speech. He also criticized the practice of some online media outlets that plagiarize content from established news organizations to generate advertising revenue. Mr. Swe urged mainstream media to exercise greater caution in election coverage, as they are frequently targeted by disinformation campaigns driven by vested interests. He stressed the importance of rigorous fact-checking and adherence to ethical journalism principles to avoid inadvertently contributing to the spread of false narratives.
Fact-checking emerged as a key strategy in the fight against disinformation. Ms. Rachel Blundy, Senior Asia Pacific Editor for AFP Fact Check, emphasized that verification is a fundamental journalistic practice, and news organizations should establish dedicated fact-checking units while collaborating with independent organizations committed to truth-telling. This multi-pronged approach strengthens the integrity of news reporting and builds public trust. The collaboration between newsrooms and external fact-checking bodies can create a robust system of verification, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of information disseminated to the public. This collaborative network can also play a crucial role in debunking online rumors and manipulated content, limiting their potential impact.
MIL empowers individuals to become discerning consumers and responsible producers of information, establishing a robust defense against disinformation, explained UNESCO Media Development Specialist, Mr. Ramon Tuazon. This empowerment fosters critical thinking, enabling citizens to evaluate the credibility of information sources and identify potential biases. The public also has a role to play in pushing back against disinformation and unethical journalism practices, contributing to a more responsible information ecosystem. Citizen engagement is crucial in holding media outlets accountable and demanding higher standards of journalistic integrity. Public pressure can encourage media organizations to prioritize accuracy and ethical reporting practices, contributing to a healthier information environment.
Addressing the challenge of disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Beyond individual empowerment through MIL, self-regulation within the media and technology sectors offers a promising avenue. Implementing codes of ethics and community standards can help promote responsible information sharing practices. While government regulation remains an option, it should be considered a last resort and must adhere to international standards, ensuring freedom of expression while combating the spread of harmful falsehoods. A collaborative approach involving media organizations, tech companies, civil society, and informed citizens is crucial for fostering a more robust and resilient information ecosystem. This collective effort can help mitigate the harmful effects of disinformation and protect the integrity of democratic processes.