In Ljubljana, under the organization of Časoris Institute and the CERV European program, the conference Impact of Fake News on Life in the European Union took place, marking the 10th anniversary of Časoris. Held as part of the Media Masters project, the event brought together 81 participants from three countries (Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Belgium) to discuss the growing consequences of disinformation on democratic processes, institutional trust, and the everyday lives of EU citizens.
Why do people trust the media less and less? Why are young people more likely to believe influencers than journalists? And why do angry users click more? These questions formed the basis of the conference, which gathered experts from journalism, education, and communication sectors.
Dr. Sonja Merljak Zdovc, founder of Časoris, highlighted in her opening speech the importance of truth, trust, and responsible information-sharing in the digital age. She stressed that disinformation is one of the greatest threats to the future of European democracies.
The central panel discussion featured Josh LaPorte (MDI Global), Miriam Možgan (MFA Slovenia), Ingrid Omahna (CEP), and influencer Nika Veger (Beautyfull Blog). Together, they emphasized how disinformation undermines trust in democratic institutions, affects election decisions, and deepens social polarization. The vulnerability of young people, who increasingly turn to social media and influencers for information, was particularly highlighted.
Participants had the opportunity to test the new educational game Media Masters, which, through both analog and digital formats, encourages critical thinking and the identification of manipulative media practices. The game received positive feedback, with participants recognizing its potential as an educational tool.
The afternoon was dedicated to a workshop on media and social media manipulation, analyzing real-life examples of misleading content, viral hoaxes, emotional bait, and algorithmic influence. Participants learned how swiftly disinformation can impact individuals and communities.
The conference concluded with a clear message: only through greater media literacy, responsible action, and cooperation among all stakeholders – from educators and journalists to NGOs and everyday users – can we protect democratic values. The Media Masters project thus makes a vital contribution to fostering a more informed and resilient society.
Link: https://mil.casoris.si/en/in-the-eu-fake-news-is-more-likely-to-hit-us-than-bombs/