Webinar on fake news vs genuine news by PIB

GUWAHATI: "Youth are the torch bearers of our society. So, they must be well aware and forward the right form of information to curb the spread of fake news," said L. R. Vishwanath, Head of Department, North East Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting while addressing a Webinar organized by Press Information Bureau, Guwahati in collaboration with Cotton University and IIMC, Aizawl on Monday.

Vishwanath said that in both print and electronic media there is a gateway to check the flow of information but in social media the spread of information is fast and the fake news has got strongest impression on today's youth so they must be well aware while spreading any information.

Media personnel must have the sense of responsibility while preparing news, said Dr. C. Lalmuansangkimi, Assistant Professor, IIMC, Aizawl while addressing the webinar. She further added that as a student of mass communication before sharing any information they must verify the information.

Dr. Sayanika Dutta, Assistant Professor Cotton University spoke extensively on how should students deal with fake news in times of COVID-19 crisis. She asserted that nowadays users of digital media are the victim of fake news. She advised the students to always check the source of the information before sharing any news.

Muktikam Hazarika, Professor Cotton University, said that Social media's ability to show a large number of news items in a short time means that user might not take the time to research and verify each information, everybody should check the authenticity of the news as well as the website before sharing if further because fake news is detrimental to our society.

The Webinar titled "Fake News vs. Genuine News" was participated by the faculty members and students of Gauhati University, Indian Institute of Mass Communication Aizawl and KendriyaVidyalaya, Noonmati.

In her welcome address Keerti Tiwari, Joint Director, PIB, Guwahati said that this Webinar will definitely be a knowledge enhancer for the students as it will give the knowledge of how to deal with fake news. (PIB)

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