Dr. Mian Muhammad Ramzan Delivers Lecture on "Fighting Fake News: Power of Informed Citizenry" at Mukalma Forum
October 4, 2024 – Global Online Event
The intellectual forum "Mukalma: An Online Platform for Global Discussion" hosted a highly impactful lecture on October 4, 2024, titled "Fighting Fake News: Power of Informed Citizenry," delivered by Dr. Mian Muhammad Ramzan, a distinguished scholar in media and communication. The lecture, which was moderated by Prof. Dr. Shahid Anwer, attracted a highly educated audience from around the world, including university faculty members and experts from the USA, Gulf States, and various other regions.
The event was attended by a diverse set of academics and scholars from different fields, reflecting a broad spectrum of viewpoints. The Mukalma Forum, known for its global outreach and intellectual discourse, provided an ideal platform for discussing one of the most critical issues of the digital age—fake news and its devastating impact on societies.
Dr. Ramzan's lecture centered around the power of media and the growing phenomenon of fake news, offering an in-depth analysis of how misinformation spreads rapidly in today's interconnected world. He stressed that the informed citizenry holds the key to countering this dangerous trend by cultivating media literacy, critical thinking, and awareness. Dr. Ramzan categorized fake news into disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation, explaining how each poses unique challenges.
He also discussed how fake news influences not only public perceptions but also political processes, societal cohesion, and global peace. Highlighting several case studies from Pakistan and around the world, including the Mashal Khan lynching incident in Pakistan and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ramzan illustrated the severe real-world consequences of unchecked false information.
The interactive session following the lecture allowed participants to share their experiences and insights on the issue of fake news in their respective countries. Discussions delved into the importance of media literacy programs, the role of universities in educating students about credible sources of information, and the need for collaborative efforts among social media platforms, governments, and civil society to tackle misinformation.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Shahid Anwer, the event not only fostered intellectual debate but also encouraged practical steps towards empowering citizens with the tools to discern truth from falsehood in the digital age.