Department of Mass Communication and Multimedia Production, GCW, Parade Ground, Jammu Collaborates with FactShala University Network for a Workshop on ‘Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfakes’

Jammu, March 08:  The Department of Mass Communication and Multimedia Production at Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu, in collaboration with FactShala University Network, successfully conducted a workshop on ‘Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfakes.’ The event aimed to equip students with the essential skills to critically evaluate digital content, combat misinformation, and navigate the evolving media landscape with confidence.

The workshop was led by Dr. Ravia Gupta, an esteemed media educator and Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jammu. With extensive experience in media literacy, digital journalism, and communication research, Dr. Gupta provided insightful discussions on the challenges posed by deepfakes, misinformation, and the influence of artificial intelligence on media consumption. Her session emphasized the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and recognizing credible sources in today’s digital world.

As part of the FactShala University Network Programme, the workshop integrated interactive learning modules, including ‘Google Super Searchers in the Time of AI’ and ‘Critical Thinking & Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfakes.’ Students participated in hands-on exercises designed to strengthen their ability to discern manipulated media and identify misinformation trends. Additionally, real-world case studies and examples illustrated the dangers of deepfake technology and the urgent need for digital literacy.

The FactShala University Network, developed by DataLEADS and supported by the Google News Initiative, has been a pioneer in promoting media literacy across India. Through this initiative, FactShala has empowered millions of students, professionals, and community members with the knowledge to detect and counter misinformation effectively.

Key highlights of the workshop:

• Engaging discussions on media literacy, misinformation, and deepfakes.
• Practical training sessions on fact-checking techniques and digital verification tools.
• Interactive exercises to identify and analyze manipulated media content.
• Insights into the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the media landscape.
• Recognition of student participation through FactShala Certificates and opportunities to be part of the FactShala Media Literacy Champions Programme.

This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of informed digital citizenship among students. By equipping young minds with the tools to identify and challenge misinformation, GCW, Parade Ground, Jammu, in collaboration with FactShala, reinforces its commitment to educational excellence and responsible media consumption.