Mostafa el masry:
Sohag University has launched a specialized center to combat rumors and verify information as part of its efforts to strengthen students’ media literacy and intellectual awareness. The center aims to monitor misinformation, correct inaccurate reports, and help students distinguish between reliable information and misleading content amid the growing spread of news across social media platforms.
The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening its community role and developing effective mechanisms for addressing information circulating online through a coordinated system of monitoring, verification, and awareness content based on documented facts.
An Integrated System for Monitoring and Verifying Information
The center operates through three interconnected teams responsible for media monitoring, follow-up and verification, and report preparation.
The media monitoring team tracks content published across social media platforms and identifies rumors and inaccurate information requiring further examination.
The follow-up team verifies the flagged information by contacting relevant university departments, officials, and specialized sources to obtain accurate data and prepare responses supported by official information.
The reporting team then transforms verified information into accessible media and awareness content for publication across digital platforms, helping clarify facts and make reliable information available to the public.
Hassan El-Nomany Highlights the Importance of Media Literacy
Prof. Hassan El-Nomany, President of Sohag University, emphasized the center’s role in developing students’ ability to distinguish between accurate information and misleading content, particularly amid the rapid flow of information and the widespread use of social media.
He highlighted the growing need for media and public awareness, as well as the importance of verifying news sources before sharing information. These efforts are intended to help students navigate the challenges of the digital environment more responsibly.
The university plans to expand the center’s scope gradually, beginning with rumors related to the university, followed by issues concerning Sohag Governorate, with the longer-term goal of extending its reach further.
Center Opening Attended by the Head of the Media Syndicate
The center’s opening was attended by Tarek Saada, Head of the Media Syndicate, along with a number of attendees, reflecting the importance of cooperation between academic and media institutions in addressing rumors and promoting public awareness.
The initiative highlights Sohag University’s efforts to use its academic and technical resources to support information verification and provide educational content that encourages students to consult reliable sources before sharing or circulating news.