BARÜ Discusses the Fight Against Disinformation in the Digital Age
6 Mayıs 2026
At Bartın University (BARÜ), experts in the field discussed the importance of accessing accurate information and combating disinformation in the digital age from a multidimensional perspective.
An event was organized within the scope of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ ÜNİDES program in cooperation with the Presidency of Communications and the BARÜ Disinformation Combat Club. During the panel titled “Hakikat Ötesi Çağda Gerçeklik: Algoritmalar ve Biz (Reality in the Post-Truth Era: Algorithms and Us),” held at the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and the Faculty of Education at BARÜ, the effects of digitalization on access to information and truth were evaluated.
Regional Director Soylu: “We Value Universities’ Efforts in Combating Disinformation”
Speaking at the opening of the program, Ahmet Ali Soylu, Regional Director of the Presidency of Communications in Ankara, stated: “We are living in a digital age—what we call the post-truth era—where information spreads rapidly, but misinformation and disinformation spread dozens of times faster. Combating this as a public authority is one of the duties of the Presidency of Communications. Therefore, we find the work carried out by disinformation combat clubs within universities highly valuable and productive, because they are part of the struggle for truth. As the Ankara Regional Directorate, we carry out the Presidency’s nationwide fight against disinformation at the local level through newspapers, online news platforms, magazines, and public institutions. For this reason, combating disinformation is extremely important, and I believe today’s panel will provide a platform that young people will appreciate and benefit from.”
Rector Akkaya: “We Must Be Conscious Against Disinformation and Manipulation”
BARÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya said: “Perception and reality are two different concepts. Unfortunately, humanity often pursues perceptions rather than seeking reality—in other words, propaganda. We must be very careful in this regard. We should read and think critically in line with our needs and goals. A critical thinker is someone who can distinguish good from bad, beauty from ugliness, and truth from falsehood based on evidence. This is where the effects of disinformation come into play, such as information distortion. Through algorithms, we are exposed to a large amount of fake news and manipulation. We must understand the truth of the matter and act accordingly. At our university, the Disinformation Combat Club offers training and develops projects on this issue. Today’s event organized by our club will provide comprehensive evaluations on artificial intelligence, algorithms, manipulation, and disinformation.”
Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Media Discussed at the Panel
The panel, moderated by BARÜ Rector’s Advisor Dr. Özkan Avcı, featured speakers Mustafa Ermiş, Head of Department at the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), Attorney Rabia Gürer from the Presidency of Communications’ Center for Combating Disinformation, and journalist Güngör Yavuzaslan.
In his presentation titled “Human-Centered Transformation in the Age of Technology: Next-Generation Competencies,” Mustafa Ermiş provided information about the training content available through the BTK Academy platform and offered advice to students. Referring to the impact of artificial intelligence on professional life, Ermiş stated that technology would not eliminate professions, but individuals who effectively use AI would have a significant advantage.
Attorney Rabia Gürer discussed the activities carried out by the Presidency of Communications in combating disinformation. Providing examples of issues that constitute crimes, Gürer also informed participants about the legal dimensions of the process.
Journalist Güngör Yavuzaslan explained the difference between virtual media and social media, addressing the relationship between reality and falsehood from a journalistic perspective. He emphasized, through examples and current issues, that young people should be conscious of disinformation and should not become captives of artificial intelligence and virtual media.
The event, which attracted strong interest from students, concluded with a Q&A session.
BARÜ Communication Coordination Office
BARÜ Communication Coordination Office
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