The Department of Mass Media and Communication at the University of Balamand (UOB) recently welcomed the founders of the Sawab Center for an enlightening workshop held at the UOB Koura campus. This workshop aimed to equip UOB Mass Media students with the necessary tools to combat the spread of false and fake news through social media.

Sawab Center, a digital media platform, launched by media students and graduates, has made it their mission to raise awareness about the importance of news credibility and trustworthiness while minimizing the impact of misinformation on society. In collaboration with faculty members, the founders were thrilled to share their expertise and guide mass media students towards an ethical path in their future media careers.

The workshop, which took place on May 13, 2023, featured a range of practical exercises designed to help students identify fake news, videos, and images that often circulate on social media platforms. The students were introduced to various fact-checking tools and techniques to ensure accurate reporting and responsible sharing of information. Furthermore, the workshop fostered discussions on the negative consequences that fake news can have on society as a whole.

Dr. Dima Issa, Chairperson of the Mass Media Department stated: “One of our main priorities as a department is to provide our students with opportunities to learn from industry professionals and gain practical experience while they are working towards their degree.”

She also added: “The event proved to be a valuable learning experience. As they are the next generation of media professionals, it is extremely important for them to be well equipped with the necessary tools to combat fake news, and work toward a society that values and upholds the principles of credible journalism and media integrity.”





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