215 citizens joined KMOP’s online discussion on disinformation and hate speech in the digital world,
KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre successfully held the online event “Fake News, Disinformation and Hate Speech in the Digital World” on Monday, 23 June 2025, with the participation of 215 individuals, including journalists, educators, researchers and general public from across Greece.
The discussion focused on pressing issues such as misinformation, fake news, the role of artificial intelligence, and hate speech on digital platforms. The event forms part of KMOP’s broader initiatives to strengthen digital education, critical thinking, and inclusion – particularly within the field of education.
The event was moderated by Dr. Antonis Klapsis, Associate Professor at the University of the Peloponnese and Vice President of KMOP, who, in his opening remarks, noted:
Disinformation and hate speech are not new phenomena. In antiquity, the dissemination of false news was referred to as ‘pseudangelia’ – a term used by the historian Xenophon to describe the strategic spread of false information during times of war. What has changed is the speed and scale of dissemination, especially through social media and algorithms that reinforce our biases. Information can either unite or divide. Democracy requires informed citizens – and that begins with nurturing critical thinking from an early age.
Next, journalist and author Zinovia Sapouna presented data from the Digital News Report 2025, highlighting that young people increasingly turn to social media for news, where – due to the lack of fact-checking – disinformation is often amplified. She also focused on the role of algorithms, artificial intelligence, and so-called “echo chambers”.
Elli Kaplani, sociologist and KMOP researcher, spoke about the consequences of disinformation for children and young people, underlining the psychological and social risks, and the urgent need to protect vulnerable groups.
KMOP research on children’s online behaviour
KMOP has conducted in-depth research on this issue, revealing significant insights into emerging online behaviours among children aged 9–12. The findings highlight the pressing need to protect them from online dangers.
Inclusive Language Guide: “What we say matters – but how we say it matters even more…”
KMOP has also developed a practical guide on the use of inclusive language. This guide offers actionable advice and examples on how to use terms and expressions that do not exclude individuals or groups based on their inherent characteristics.
You can find the guide here.
During the event, Dr Dimitrios Tzimas, Computer Science PhD holder and High School Principal, discussed educational approaches to building students’ resilience, emphasising the importance of teacher training and embedding critical thinking within the school environment.
In the second part of the event, Daphne Koufopanou-Bert, KMOP’s EU Project Manager, presented new initiatives promoting critical thinking and digital literacy in schools. A participatory workshop followed, during which attendees shared experiences and suggestions, leading to a set of recommendations addressed to educational policy-makers.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call +30 210 3637547.