Research

Media Literacy & Disinformation Research Cluster – MeDisInfo is a research cluster within the Social Sciences Research Group at Max van der Stoel Institute that brings together experts in international relations, diplomacy, security studies, media, journalism, and information technology. Our primary objective is to thoroughly examine the multifaceted impact of fake news and disinformation on society and security, with a specific emphasis on their implications for the Balkan region.

Committed to media literacy, we actively engage as a key member of the Media Literacy Network of North Macedonia, contributing significantly to the collective effort to enhance media literacy in the country. Through our participation, we facilitate stronger collaboration with other network members, participating in regional conferences and engaging in various forms of cooperative initiatives aimed at countering disinformation and promoting informed public discourse.

Our research initiatives, academic expertise, and collaborative endeavors are dedicated to address the challenges of disinformation, while also playing a crucial role in strengthening media literacy and enhancing security in the Balkan region.

Projects

Publications

MeDisInfo Blog

From Fiction to Reality: ‘The Waldo Moment’ and AI Candidates in Modern Politics

Examining ‘The Waldo Moment’ and Its Real-World Implications for Political AI

Your emotions are controlled by an invisible ‘’threat’’

How are people’s emotions misused to spread disinformation?

Activites

  • October 2023: We were part of the experts’ panel discussion “Building Social Resilience to the Adverse Effects of Disinformation” in the framework of the conference “Media Literacy in Digital Spaces” on the first day of Media Literacy Days 24-31 October 2023. More
  • September 2023: MeDisInfo team members attended ‘Strengthening Societal Resilience and Countering Foreign Perpetrated Disinformation in the Western Balkans’ In-Country Visit to North Macedonia -Whole of Society Session organized by the Centre for European Perspective – CEP. More…
  • July 2023: Fakespotting team members Albulena Halili and Edlira Palloshi Disha participated at the final project meeting at the University of Bologna, Italy 
  • June 2023: We are looking forward to the Point Conference ‘Political Accountability and New Technologies’ in Sarajevo. More…
  • April 2023: Multiplier event of the project Fakespotting was held in the framework of ‘Project Networking & Internationalization Week’
  • March 2023: Fakespotting team members Shemsedin Ibrahimi and Bujar Sinani participated at the fourth project meeting at Novi Sad School of Journalism, Serbia
  • March 2023: MeDisInfo research team participated in Rugova Fact-checking Tech Camp
  • December 2022: The second workshop of the project ‘SEEU students 5.0: Media and Information Literacy in the Age of Disinformation’ was held. Read the news here
  • November 2022: Celebrating Media Literacy Days 2022 – Podcast: Future Generation in the Disinformation Age. Listen it here
  • September 2022: The first workshop of the project ‘SEEU students 5.0: Media and Information Literacy in the Age of Disinformation’ was held.
  • November 2021: Celebrating Media Literacy Days 2021 – Generation 5.0: Should we believe in everything we read on the internet? Debate with students to mark Media Literacy Days, held from 22-29 November 2021. Read the news here.
  • November 2021: Celebrating Media Literacy Days 2021 – Distribution of leaflets for students

Media Literacy Days 2022

Media Literacy Days 2021

Members

Demush Bajrami

Researcher

Shemsedin Ibrahimi

Researcher

Bujar Sinani

Reseacher

Genta Abdiji

Gallery

Fakespotting 2nd Meeting

Rugova Fact-checking Tech Camp

Fakespotting Multiplier Event

SEE U Students 5.0 3rd workshop

SEE U Students 5.0 Grant awarding ceremony

Media Literacy Days 2021

Fakespotting Final Meeting

Fakespotting Joint Staff Meeting

Transition project workshop - staff

SEEU 5.0 - USAID Grantees Meeting

Conference “Building Resilience to Disinformation"

Transition project workshop - media

Partners & Funders