Shusha, July 21 – The second day of the Second Shusha Global Media Forum continued with insightful panel discussions on the theme “Exposing False Narratives: Combating Disinformation.” The event, organized to address the pressing issue of disinformation, saw participation from notable figures in the media industry.

Ednews reports that the day's discussions centered around the topic "Impact Assessment: Understanding the Reach of Disinformation." The panels featured distinguished speakers including Jaffar Hasnain, presenter and reporter at TRT World, Professor Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy Director General of TASS Information Agency, Montaser Marai, Manager of Media Initiatives at Al Jazeera Media Institute, and Valeria Giannotta, academician and scientific director at CeSPI (Center for International Policy Studies) Türkiye Observatory. Charles Veley, founder of the MTP (Most Travelers) Club, also joined the discussions.

Professor Mikhail Gusman highlighted the persistent nature of the information war, emphasizing the need for professionals to distinguish between accurate information and disinformation. "Disinformation is the deliberate use of false information," Gusman stated. "Sometimes it is used for commercial purposes, sometimes unknowingly, but it remains a powerful weapon, especially in an age of rapid information technology development. People tend to seek short-form information from their phones, making society vulnerable to massive waves of disinformation. Many people spread information without verifying its truth. Journalism is a profession that demands responsibility and a professional approach to information."

Montaser Marai echoed these sentiments, pointing out the prevalence of misinformation among the general public. "Social media has become a hub for spreading misinformation," Marai noted. "We need to verify the sources of the information we consume. The sheer volume of videos uploaded to social networks daily can be overwhelming. We're increasingly trapped in digital bubbles created by algorithms, making it essential to decide whether we want to stay within these confines."

Other speakers also discussed the detrimental effects of misinformation and underscored the importance of concerted efforts to combat it. The forum aims to foster a deeper understanding of disinformation's impact and develop strategies to mitigate its spread.

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum continues to serve as a platform for media professionals to address critical issues affecting the industry and society at large.