Last week, we organised a fringe workshop at our Congress with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom - European Dialogue about countering disinformation. The conclusion(s)? Read below to find out!

Starting with the basics...  We covered why disinformation spreads and how it is not always created with malicious intent. We discussed the dangers and how a simple joke or exaggeration can have massive consequences.

Participants were introduced to how the media seeks to cope with this new phenomenon and ensure that news is fact-checked. Several near-miss disasters were cited, along with the methods journalists used to decode the information as false.

Participants were also introduced to various examples of online disinformation visuals along with some tell-tell signs that a piece of information might be fake. Pro tip 1: Always look at the webpage URL; Pro tip 2: Think before you share anything.

To finish the workshop, participants were advised to follow this three-step method to counter disinformation among friends and family:

1. Don't shame; show empathy.

2. Be active.

3. Be scientific.

Now, we look forward to seeing you and other young liberals implement these teachings to rid the upcoming elections of fake news.

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