In an innovative initiative designed to address the growing concerns surrounding fake news and disinformation, three influential Flemish personalities have come together to equip the younger generation with the necessary tools for critical thinking. Maximiliaan Verheyen, Timon Verbeeck, and Ghent-based influencer Mariam Hakobyan are leading the campaign titled “Klopt da wel?” (“Is That True?”), which aims to foster a culture of verification among young people. Launched officially by Flemish Minister of Home Affairs Hilde Crevits, the campaign emphasizes the importance of confronting online disinformation, especially as it becomes increasingly prevalent in the digital age.
The campaign is multifaceted, comprising a series of dynamic social media posts, a targeted school and university outreach program, and an extensive media kit. At its core, the initiative aims to engage and empower young people, who, according to recent research, are particularly vulnerable to misleading information online. In a region where nearly half of young Flemish individuals are concerned about encountering fake news, the campaign seeks to establish fact-checking as a fundamental behavior. This is imperative considering that 40% of young people report seldom verifying the information they come across.
Central to the campaign’s strategy is its motto: “Check before you click.” This slogan encapsulates the project’s purpose of encouraging young users to verify the accuracy of information before disseminating it further. Through eye-catching visuals and engaging content, influencers involved in the campaign will create creative videos that illustrate the importance of critical analysis of news sources. Additionally, an informative website will serve as a valuable resource for young individuals seeking to affirm the credibility of the news.
A notable aspect of the campaign’s launch took place in the unassuming setting of a school bathroom in Deinze, which was deliberately chosen based on research that indicates students may be more inclined to reflect and consider information in such casual environments. This unique approach underscores the commitment of the campaign to resonate with the everyday experiences of young people. By leveraging familiar spaces, the initiative aims to make discussions about media literacy more relatable and accessible.
In addition to its social media efforts, the outreach program will see the distribution of 250 posters designed to catch the attention of students and faculty alike. These posters will display examples of fake news headlines, serving as a visual cue that promotes conversation and examination of the material encountered in the news. The visual strategy, along with the engaging video content, seeks to create a vibrant dialogue around the topic of disinformation and its implications.
Through targeting schools, social media platforms, and popular sites like YouTube, the “Klopt da wel?” campaign strives to reach its audience where they are most active. The collaborative effort of prominent influencers, alongside the backing of government officials, highlights a shared commitment to fostering a generation of informed citizens. As the campaign continues to unfold, it stands as a promising initiative aimed at reducing the impact of fake news and nurturing critical thinking skills among young Flemish people.