Flemish influencers join forces against fake news and disinformation
Three prominent Flemish influencers have joined forces to combat fake news and disinformation. The campaign aims to equip young people with critical thinking tools through a series of impactful social media posts.
Ambassador Maximiliaan Verheyen, Timon Verbeeck and Ghent-based influencer Mariam Hakobyan are spearheading the initiative, titled "Klopt da wel?" ("Is That True?"), which extends beyond just social media. It includes a school and university outreach program featuring 250 posters and a comprehensive media kit. Flemish minister of home affairs Hilde Crevits (CD&V) officially launched the campaign on Monday, noting the importance of addressing online disinformation.
The campaign tackles a pressing issue: while nearly half of young Flemish people express concerns about fake news, 40 per cent rarely or never verify the reliability of the news they encounter. With the slogan "Check before you click," the project aims to promote fact-checking habits through creative videos by influencers, an informative website and eye-catching posters featuring fake news headlines.
A symbolic launch took place in the bathrooms of a school in Deinze, a nod to research suggesting that students are more likely to take time for fact-checking in such casual spaces. The campaign targets schools, social media and YouTube to reach its audience effectively and raise awareness about the risks of disinformation.
#FlandersNewsService | © IMAGEBROKER
Related news
