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Immunising First Time Voters against Mis/Disinformation before Elections

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Immunising First Time Voters against Mis/Disinformation before Elections Beyond the Horizon ISSG

In Leuven, an immunization activity for first-time voters was organised in May 2024. Over the course of two days, more than 250 young people were informed about the risks of encountering misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the EU elections 2024. 

Participants explored the key differences between disinformation, fake news, and misinformation. They learned that disinformation involves deliberately false or misleading information aimed at manipulation, while fake news often mixes partial truths with falsehoods to deceive. Misinformation, though shared without harmful intent, can also spread inaccuracies that shape public perceptions. 

The session emphasized the consequences of disinformation, such as increased societal polarization, reduced trust in democratic institutions, and its potential to mislead voting decisions. Practical tools were shared to help participants identify misleading content, including analyzing emotional language, verifying sources, fact-checking information, and checking publication dates to avoid outdated context. Tools like the “Stop, Think, Check” method and media literacy were introduced to encourage critical thinking and responsible sharing of information. 

This activity aimed to empower first-time voters in Leuven to navigate the complexities of online information and prepare them to make informed decisions during the elections. The initiative highlighted the importance of building a resilient and well-informed voter community for European elections 2024. 

When:

Where:

15-17 May 2024

MijnLeuven Leuven, Belgium 

Organised by Beyond the Horizon, MijnLeuven

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