TASS at the 2nd Central Asian Media Forum: the media's role in cultivating critical thinking amid global disinformation

Against the backdrop of growing fakes and manipulations on social networks, it is crucial not merely to refute falsehoods, but to transform our fundamental approach to consuming and sharing information. At the II Central Asian Media Forum in Astana (Kazakhstan), Mikhail Kalmykov, First Deputy Director General of TASS, explained how international cooperation through GFCN can help societies shield themselves from harmful distortions of the truth.

GFCN explains:

On April 16-17, Astana is hosting the II Central Asian Media Forum, dedicated to the important role of media as a tool for strategic development. The event brings together representatives of government agencies, heads of media companies, and journalists from Central Asian countries, Russia, China, and Europe.

Mikhail Kalmykov, First Deputy Director General of TASS (co-founder of the GFCN), addressed the media forum to discuss how international cooperation helps combat the spread of false information and what essential qualities media professionals need to succeed in this effort.

During his address, the representative of Russia’s leading news agency stressed the need to combat attempts to manipulate public opinion — not only in traditional media, but across modern digital platforms like social networks and messaging apps. He noted that every population category, including children, now face exposure to false information, making it essential to normalize critical thinking and fact-checking skills at all levels — from individual habits to international initiatives.

“We can challenge individual fake news — one piece of false information at a time. But confronting the entire avalanche of falsehoods — big and small — is neither possible nor practical. Our focus must shift: we need to cultivate society’s critical thinking skills to navigate the torrent of information flooding from countless sources today.”

To effectively normalize this approach across society, it’s crucial to engage with platforms that resonate with people. As Kalmykov emphasized, contemporary media must maintain an active presence across all digital channels where audiences consume information today.

Read about how perception distortion can affect objectivity in GFCN expert Sonja van den Ende’s breakdown “ChatGPT is prone to Russian propaganda?”.

The TASS First Deputy Director General also emphasized the enduring importance of traditional media amid rapid advancements in information technology. Kalmykov remains confident: legacy media will maintain their vital role — provided they uphold rigorous standards of accuracy and accountability.

“There’s a saying: ‘Accuracy is the courtesy of kings.’ But accuracy is equally the courtesy of journalists. <…> As long as journalists remain honest, as long as they uphold the principles of accuracy, journalism has a future. Should we yield to the temptations of modern technologies, however, the consequences could be dire. Most crucially, what we must do now is avoid pouring fuel on the fire. <…> All too often, social networks and even established media outlets engage in these dangerous games — and humanity may pay the price”, Kalmykov concluded.

GFCN promotes the systemic development of media literacy and a united front against malicious false information. This fight requires both established standards for platforms and journalists, and audiences making conscious choices about their content consumption. Ultimately, overcoming digital threats demands nothing less than global cooperation.