Strengthening Media Literacy to Combat Disinformation

As part of this year’s Artist-in-Residence program, we were able to continue our important collaboration with FasoCheck in March to strengthen the media literacy of the general public in dealing with disinformation. Together, we organized a training session on the topic of “Disinformation and Fact-Checking,” aimed at journalists, students, and representatives of civil society.

The goal was to raise awareness among participants about the challenges posed by fake news and equip them with practical tools for identifying and debunking misinformation. In an increasingly digitalized information landscape, strengthening critical media literacy and curbing the spread of misleading content is essential. The training began with an introduction to the mechanisms of disinformation, explaining which societal and cultural factors facilitate the spread of false information and how this affects trust in media and institutions. During the subsequent discussion, participants shared personal experiences with misinformation and discussed its impact on social interactions.

A central part of the training was the practical application of various digital tools for detecting manipulated content. Using technologies such as Google Reverse Image Search and InVID, participants learned how to verify the authenticity of images and videos. We also paid special attention to the role of artificial intelligence in creating deceptively realistic but false content – a phenomenon that is increasingly influencing digital communication. In an interactive exercise, participants immediately applied their newly acquired knowledge. In a simulated digital news environment, they analyzed fictional disinformation examples, identified signs of manipulation, and checked sources using the presented fact-checking tools. This hands-on method allowed them to directly apply what they had learned and deepen their understanding of identifying and combating fake news.

Through our partnership with FasoCheck, we are making an important contribution to strengthening media literacy in the region. The training sessions demonstrate how targeted educational initiatives can help maintain the integrity of information and combat disinformation – a crucial step toward an informed and critical society. Recent reports indicate that Burkina Faso is increasingly the target of disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion and fostering political instability. These developments underscore the urgency and relevance of initiatives like this, which aim to increase the resilience of civil society against such threats.

The 2025 Artist-in-Residence program is supported by: