Article

Youth fighting disinformation in future elections

As the next generation of voters, young people are critical in determining the future of governments and society. However, they also grapple with a significant challenge of mis- and disinformation, notably on digital platforms, that may lead to rising distrust in the media.
Youth fighting disinformation in future elections

Youth Multimedia Room

The article was produced by the Youth Multimedia Room. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributors of the Youth Multimedia Room and do not represent the views of UNESCO or its partners. The designations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO or its partners.

 

During the 2024 World Press Freedom Day Conference, the “(Dis)InfoTactics in the super election year: The scramble to rebuild trust in the media” panel welcomed journalists and data scientists discussing future policies that could provide solutions to tackle disinformation.

The panel consisted of Patricia Mayorga, executive director of the organization Periodistas de a Pie; Swapneel Mehta, postdoctoral associate jointly at Boston University and MIT; Marcela Tobar Ríos, director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA); and Gwen Lister, founder of The Namibian and director of the NMT Media Foundation.

With more than 40 years of experience as a journalist, Gwen Lister shares her #1 tip for young people to fight disinformation — “Put that cellphone aside (...). Go and grab a book”, she emphasized. That way, “we would see vast improvements globally if more of us were better informed through reading”.

 

Sofia Hou & Natasha Khairunisa