Fake News and Social Impact
Date/Period:
Online: October 2026
Onsite: 26-30 October 2026, “Constantin Brâncuși” University of Târgu Jiu, Romania
Schedule: 1 week, 5 days face to face (on-site)
Organised by:
“Constantin Brâncuși” University of Târgu Jiu, Romania
Flavius Cristian Mărcău, Lecturer PhD.
Alina Georgiana Holt, Lecturer PhD.
Andreea Mihaela Cilibiu, Lecturer PhD.
Cătălin-Ionuț Drăgan, PhD student,
Andrei Ghimiși, PhD
Corina Drăgan, PhD, ACE-Com coordinator
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Spain
Goce Delcev University (UGD)
Igor Stojanov
Santarém Polytechnic University (IPS), Portugal
Perpétua Silva
EXTERNAL Stakeholders
The Romanian Copyright Office, Romania
Cristian Florescu
The National Audiovisual Council, Romania
Aona Calistru
Research institute for quality of life, Romania
Sebastian Fritzek, Lecturer PhD.
Prodcom Publishing House, Romania
Minel Cinciulescu
Security Alliance Romanian Chapter, Romania
Mircea Șcheanu, PhD.
Deadline for registration: 28 June 2026
Certificate of attendance: A certificate of attendance will be provided with 3 ECTS
- Objectives: The course aims to develop students’ critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical awareness regarding the mechanisms behind fake news and its impact on society. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, participants will develop analytical skills to detect and counter misinformation in various contexts. The course also examines the role of digital platforms and algorithms, cognitive biases, emotional triggers, and institutional responses in shaping the circulation and credibility of false information.
- Event short description:
In an era dominated by digital information, the ability to discern between legitimate news and misinformation is crucial. This course explores the mechanisms behind fake news, its impact on society, and effective strategies for critical evaluation. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, participants will develop analytical skills to detect and counter misinformation in various contexts. The course also examines the role of media literacy, fact-checking methods, and ethical considerations in the fight against disinformation.
- Target group:
This programme is designed for students who seek to deepen their understanding of misinformation and its societal implications. It is also suitable for anyone interested in enhancing their digital literacy and critical thinking skills in navigating today’s media landscape.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students in communication, journalism, media studies, social sciences, political science, education, psychology and related fields.
This course is also designed for ACEambassadors students.
- Structure & Methodology: The course is structured as an Applied Blended Challenge Programme (ABC), delivered over 1 week (5 days face to face). It progresses from foundational theoretical frameworks to applied analysis across 13 chapters: Conceptual Clarifications and Theoretical Frameworks; The Origins and Evolution of Fake News; Psychological and Social Mechanisms of Disinformation; The Role of Digital Platforms and Algorithms; The Impact of Fake News on Democracy and Politics; Fake News and Public Health; Fake News, Education, and Media Literacy; Legal and Institutional Dimensions of Combating Disinformation; Ethics of Communication and Social Responsibility; Fact-Checking and Critical Evaluation of Sources; Case Studies and Practical Applications; Prevention and Countering Strategies Against Fake News; Applied Projects and Student Research. The methodology combines theoretical analysis with case studies, fact-checking exercises, guided discussions, simulation exercises, and applied projects.
- Registration and participation : https://forms.gle/pQAC6ewwrzrLCm9u5
Participants must attend the full session and contribute to collaborative tasks: Yes
- Attendance certification: Yes
A certificate of attendance will be issued by the course organisers upon successful participation. The certificate will list:
- Event/Course title
- Learning/research outcomes
- Developed competencies
- Duration (5 days on-site)
- Contact & Coordination
For any questions or support related to the course, please contact: ace-com@e-ucb.ro, dragancorina78@gmail.com
