To promote fact-checking skills and combat misinformation, the Media Education Research Centre (MERC), University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with Logically Facts,an international fact-checking enterprise, organised a two-day training workshop on ‘Critical Information Literacy’ at the varsity.

The workshop focused on equipping participants with techniques to identify misinformation, understand biases, and develop a critical approach to digital content. It featured engaging discussions and practical training and exercises by experts, allowing students and scholars to refine their critical thinking skills in the digital age. 

Prof. Syeda Afshana, faculty at MERC KU and workshop coordinator, stressed on the importance of questioning narratives and verifying facts before accepting them as truth.

“Misinformation is not just a media issue, it affects society as a whole by distorting reality and undermining trust in institutions,” she said.

Kritika Goel, Head of Editorial Operations (India), Logically Facts, explained various biases and discussed the financial motives behind spreading misinformation. She also elaborated on the role of social media algorithms in amplifying false narratives. Shreyashy Roy, Deputy Editor at Logically Facts, led an interactive session where participants analyzed statements to identify misinformation and confirmation bias.

Earlier, Head MERC KU, Prof. Sabeha Mufti, in her welcome address, highlighted the increasing challenge of misinformation and the need for fact-checking in today’s digital landscape.

The workshop was attended by faculty, students and scholars of the department.

Dr. Afsana Rashid, faculty at MERC KU and co-coordinator of the workshop delivered a formal vote of thanks. While Dr Rashid Maqbool conducted the proceedings of the event, Dr Nayeem Showkat undertook the functional logistics.