An important event was held by the Faculty of Communication at Atatürk University to raise awareness of disinformation, which is one of the most significant information pollution issues of our time. In the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Communication, the lecture "Disinformation in the Information Age" was delivered by İdris Kardaş, the Coordinator of the Centre for Combating Disinformation at the Presidency of Communications.

 Academicians and students, as well as the Erzurum Regional Director of the Directorate of Communications Recep Küçükece, the Press Advertisement Institution (BIK) Erzurum Branch Manager Tahsin Şahin, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Raci Taşcıoğlu, and Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, attended the program.

 "We are living in a time in which the truth and the lies are inextricably linked."

 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslı Köseoğlu delivered the opening speech of the discussion, emphasising that information pollution has emerged as a significant threat in addition to the rapid dissemination of information. He stated, "We are currently in a period in which truth and lies are intertwined, and manipulative information is disseminated at an accelerated pace." Disinformation has evolved into a phenomenon that poses a threat to not only individuals, but also society, democracy, and national security. Consequently, it is incumbent upon each of us to cultivate individuals who are aware of the importance of accessing precise information.

 Köseoğlu provided an overview of the Fight Against Disinformation Club, which was established within the Faculty of Communication. He stated that the club functions as a student community that promotes media literacy and strives to access accurate information.

 "The Academy's Role in the Battle Against Misinformation"

 In the current communication environment, disinformation is a significant threat, as emphasised by Prof. Dr. Raci Taşcıoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Communication. he stated, "In an era of accelerating digitalisation, information has become more accessible than ever." Nevertheless, this circumstance also results in the rapid dissemination of inaccurate information. Disinformation distorts the perceptions of individuals, resulting in information pollution and social unrest. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us, as communication faculties, to heighten our students' awareness of media literacy, cultivate their critical thinking abilities, and instruct them on how to access reliable information. We are of the opinion that academic studies and awareness-raising activities are of paramount significance in the battle against disinformation, and we are in favour of all initiatives in this field.

 "Disinformation Has Increased, Access to Information Has Become Easier"

 Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, also addressed the impact of disinformation on society and individuals during his speech. He stated, "Information is now more accessible than ever." Nevertheless, this convenience has also resulted in disinformation, a significant issue. Disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of inaccurate information by individuals or organisations. This scenario has the potential to result in national security concerns, mislead individuals, and cause social unrest. Consequently, it is imperative that we all exercise sensitivity regarding this matter.

 Hacımüftüoğlu asserted that universities and communication faculties play a crucial role in the struggle against disinformation, and he underscored the significance of fostering critical thinking skills and enhancing media literacy.

 Disinformation's Potential Hazards Are Highlighted

 During the interview, İdris Kardaş, the Coordinator of the Centre for Combating Disinformation, provided a comprehensive explanation of the dissemination of disinformation, its users, and their objectives.

 Kardaş, who asserted that false information disseminates rapidly through social media platforms in the information age, stated, "Today, disinformation has become a tool that can be employed to manipulate not only individuals but also societies and countries." In particular, the rapid dissemination of false news on social media platforms can influence the perceptions of individuals and result in social polarisation. This is why it is crucial to cultivate media literacy, cultivate the habit of verifying information, and become aware of manipulative content.

 Participants engaged in a discussion regarding the necessary measures to prevent disinformation and submitted enquiries regarding the matter at the conclusion of the conference. The program was assessed as a critical step in the effort to raise public awareness in the struggle against disinformation, which is one of the most significant issues of our time.

 CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – March 14, 2025