Home » Articles And Writeups

ARTICLES AND WRITEUPS

  1. Building Synergy for a National Digital Media Literacy Strategy in Pakistan (By Amjed Pervez Malik, Senior Advisor, NPT)
  2. Digital Media Literacy: Disinformation and Fake News (By Syed Atef Amjad Ali, Incharge School of Creative Arts, University of Lahore)

Building Synergy for a National Digital Media Literacy Strategy in Pakistan

Amjed Pervez Malik, 
Senior Advisor,
National Press Trust

Published in July 2022 issue of a monthly Newsletter by Media & Learning ( an international, not-for-profit association set up in 2012 under Belgian law to promote and stimulate the use of media as a way to enhance innovation and creativity in teaching and learning across all levels of education in Europe. ) Here is the link to the original article.

Since establishment in 1964 as a citizen’s initiative, who were prominent businesspersons of the time, promotion of sound and healthy journalism remains primary purpose of National Press Trust. Much has changed since its creation in the structure, status, and administration of the Trust, however, the primary objective remains the same. As a Public Trust it continues to function as a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization with adapted aims and objectives.

Dramatic changes have taken place in the mediums of communication and journalism with the advancement and convergence of ICTs. Notwithstanding the continuing importance of traditional print and electronic media, the digital media and social media platforms have not only transformed the old media but introduced a whole set of New Media which has become a major source of information and news for people in all parts of the world.

Pakistan, a developing and emerging nation of over 220million people, is among those who have adopted new technologies relatively at a faster pace and larger scale compared to some other countries with same socio-economic conditions. While it is a healthy sign and positive development in empowering the hitherto disconnected segments of society and led to democratization of communication, it has given rise to new challenges. Most of the challenges are common with other developed and developing countries, some are country specific due to its peculiar conditions and circumstances.

Realizing the challenges of misuse of cyber based information and communication exchanges and spread of digital media platforms, Pakistan like many other developing countries started Legislation and Codes aimed at monitoring and penalizing the misuses considered harmful for the State and its Institutions as well as citizens’ privacy and safety.

National and Institutional efforts to check the negative impacts of these technologies and platforms are being dealt with in different ways by different countries and institutions. Developing countries, where knowledge about the Digital & social media remains very limited, are mostly relying on addressing the issue through Legislation, Restriction and Sanction or Punishment. Without denying the need and role of such steps and approaches, National Press Trust, believes that before, or side by side these approaches, a national effort is required to create awareness and enhance Digital Media Literacy for self-regulation.

It is with this belief that NPT program for Digital Media Literacy had been launched as better and wider understanding is essentials to check the creators of Disinformation and Fake News and the spread of such content which most of us do unknowingly or on wrong self-belief. NPT, under its new assumed role, held a workshop for working media journalists in Lahore in March 2022 on the “Role, Responsibilities, Challenges & Opportunities of Digital Media Age”. Based on the deliberations and learnings of the workshop as well as the growing challenge of Disinformation and Fake News, it was decided that instead of focusing on restrictions and legislation for sanctions only, the national efforts should be directed to create awareness about the potential, advantages and harms of new media.

NPT fully acknowledges the huge opportunities offered by digital, social media especially OSMs. But the creators and users of news and information on new platforms need to better understand all aspects of the new media. NPT believes that a national effort is required to create awareness and enhance Digital Media Literacy. The ultimate objective of NPT efforts is to lay a base for National Digital Media Literacy Strategy, focusing on the Fake News and Disinformation. NPT knows how gigantic this task is and seeks support of all stakeholders especially Academia, working Journalists and opinion makers of traditional and new media.

So far following actions have been initiated:

♦  WEB PORTAL: “nationalpresstrust.pk”. Collection of Resources from National and International organizations.

♦ Translation of Material in Urdu: We are translating the material in Urdu for better understanding.

♦ Social Media Account: Our Facebook, Instagram & Twitter account (@NPT_PAK) are being used for Digital Media Literacy Program.

♦ Efforts for collaboration: with International and local organizations. NPT is touch with top media schools of the country and international organizations working on similar programs.

NPT has started a series of Focus Group Discussion, in collaboration with Media Schools of top universities of the country. Memorandum of understanding are being signed with these universities and other institutions. The goal set for the initial phase is to develop a national base for a comprehensive educational, awareness and literacy strategy. The target groups of National Press Trust endeavors include working journalist, media organization and media schools. However, national media literacy strategy will include other segments and strata of society and propose measure for children and students, Teenagers, Parents and the senior citizens and professionals. NPT looks forward to support and guidance by the international organizations working on the subject to develop or adapt material for literacy and awareness program.

Digital Media Literacy: Disinformation and Fake News

Syed Atef Amjad Ali
Incharge at School of Creative Arts
University of Lahore

Published in LinkedIn.com, June 24, 2022 . (link)

The exponential proliferation of Fake News and Disinformation in the digital age has created a pressing need for enhancing public awareness about these phenomena. Fake News and Disinformation can have far-reaching effects on individuals and society, impacting everything from political choices to relationships and mental health. Digital media literacy is thus essential in building societal resistance and resilience against Fake News and Disinformation. This article aims to provide an overview of Fake News and Disinformation, how to spot them, and what can be done to counter their effects.

Fake news and Disinformation are not new phenomena. However, how they are produced and disseminated has changed dramatically in recent years, thanks to the rise of digital media. Fake news is “false or misleading information presented as news” while, Disinformation is “false or misleading information that is deliberately spread in order to harm a person, group, or organization”. Fake news and Disinformation can take many forms, including fabricated stories, doctored images, and misleading videos.

What is Fake News?

Fake news is a deliberately fabricated story designed to spread quickly and widely through social media and other channels. Fake news stories are often sensational or shocking and are created to deceive people. Fake news can have serious real-world consequences. For example, Fake News stories have been known to cause political unrest, influence elections, and incite violence.

What is Disinformation?

Disinformation is a subset of propaganda with the same intention of deceiving people. Unlike Fake News, which is often created for financial gain or to spread misinformation, Disinformation is created to harm individuals, groups, or entire societies.

Disinformation can take many forms, including Fake News stories, conspiracy theories, propaganda, and hoaxes. Disinformation campaigns are often used as a psychological warfare tool, and they can have devastating effects on entire populations.

How to Spot Fake News and Disinformation?

Fake News and Disinformation stories often contain some or all of the following characteristics:

  • They are designed to spread quickly and widely through social media and other channels.
  • They are often sensational or shocking.
  • They are often created with the intention of deceiving people.
  • They may contain false or misleading information.
  • They may be sourced from unreliable or untrustworthy sources.
  • They may be intended to promote a political agenda.
  • They may be part of a more extensive Disinformation campaign.

What can be done to counter Fake News and Disinformation?

Fake News and Disinformation can have serious real-world consequences, but there are things that can be done to counter their effects.

  • Pay attention to the source: Fake News and Disinformation stories often come from unreliable or untrustworthy sources. Be skeptical of stories that come from sources you don’t know or trust, and check for other corroborating evidence before you share them.
  • Check the facts: Fake News and Disinformation stories often contain false or misleading information. Check for other reports on the story, and see if the facts check out.
  • Don’t share everything you read: Fake News and Disinformation are designed to spread quickly and widely through social media and other channels. Be thoughtful about what you share, and don’t share everything you read.
  • Speak up: Fake News and Disinformation can have harmful real-world consequences. If you see something, say something. Call out Fake News and Disinformation when you see it, and help to stop its spread.

Fake News and Disinformation in Pakistan

Fake news and Disinformation is a global problem, but it is particularly acute in Pakistan. Fake news stories have been used to incite violence and spread hatred and division. Disinformation campaigns have been launched against Pakistan’s government and military with malicious intent. Fake News stories have also been used to stir up tensions between Pakistan’s different religious communities.

Digital media literacy is essential in building societal resistance and resilience against Fake News and Disinformation. Governments and other relevant organisations need to improve the capacity to detect, analyze, and expose misinformation. There is also a need to develop awareness-raising campaigns aimed at the general public to help people identify Fake News and Disinformation. These campaigns should focus on media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Government departments and other relevant organizations should also work together to develop policies and regulations that will discourage the spread of Fake News and Disinformation. These policies and regulations should be designed to protect the public from harm and ensure that accurate information is disseminated.

Fake News and Disinformation are complex problems that require a multi-faceted approach. Governments, media organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in combating these phenomena. Governments can help by funding research into the effects of Fake News and Disinformation and developing policies to counter them. Media organizations can help by increasing their fact-checking efforts and promoting media literacy. Individuals can help by being critical of the information they see online and only sharing stories from trusted sources. Fake News and Disinformation are serious problems that need to be addressed. Only by working together can we hope to combat them.