Seminar spotlights communications on social networks

 

Hanoi (VNA) – Communications on social networks was the topic of discussion during a seminar held at the headquarters of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Hanoi on June 13, gathering young employees of central agencies, including many journalists.

At the event, participants talked about influence of communications on the social networks on journalism in Vietnam and challenges facing journalism in the digital age. Many proposed measures to improve awareness of extreme contents and fake news on the social networks among young people and how young journalists should properly access and process news and information on the social networks.

They also advised competent authorities on how to enhance regulations to effectively manage information on the social networks and the Internet at large.

Speaking of the fight against fake news and social responsibility of the press, VNA Deputy General Director Le Quoc Minh said fake news are rampant on the social networks today and not only readers but also the mainstream press in Vietnam and the world often fall into trap of the fake news.

Many journalists shared or broadcasted news from unreliable sources on the Internet without verifying them, he noted.

Minh urged each social network user to click “like” and “share” with a sense of responsibility.

He moved on to cite the fact that many news outlets are applying a risky way – “Publish first, correct later if necessary” – as in many cases, the mainstream press published stories without checking their facts.

Fake news alongside such mistakes of press agencies in the race with social networks to lure more readers and increase revenue from advertising have lowered trust from the public towards the mainstream media, the VNA leader said.

He suggested the press to actively take action to win back the readers’ trust as it is not only important to the development of the press but also affect society’s stability.

A representative of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Ministry of Justice said young people should improve their knowledge and study technical solutions to prevent fake news on the Internet and together build a safe social networking environment.

Bui Lan Anh, a young editor from the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), said despite the robust growth of the social networks, they cannot replace mainstream media outlets. Therefore, the press must take full advantage of the social networks and use these online platforms to orient readers.-VNA