The 18th Free Meeting of English Youth Community 2025–2026

 

Scroll Smart: Spotting Clickbait & Fake News in Media

      In today's digital world, information travels faster than ever. A single headline can easily catch someone's attention, but not everything that appears on social media reflects the truth. Understanding how to recognize misleading information has become an important skill, especially for young people who spend much of their time exploring digital platforms. This issue became the center of discussion at the 18th Free Meeting of English Youth Community (E-YouC) Makassar, held on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, at 1:00 PM WITA via Google Meet.

      The meeting featured Nurul Azifah Al Karamah from the Ministry of Learning and Teaching as the speaker. With the topic “Scroll Smart: Spotting Clickbait & Fake News in Media,” participants were invited to explore the challenges of consuming information online, particularly the presence of clickbait headlines and fake news that can easily mislead readers.

       Throughout the session, participants showed great enthusiasm in exploring the topic. The discussion attracted their attention because it was closely connected to their everyday experiences with social media. As digital platforms have become a common source of information, learning how to distinguish reliable content from misleading news is increasingly relevant. Participants showed interest in understanding why certain headlines are designed to attract attention and how misinformation can influence the way people think about particular issues.

       One important point highlighted in the meeting was the need to develop critical thinking before accepting or sharing information. Not every headline deserves immediate trust, and not every piece of content circulating online comes from a reliable source. Being a smart digital consumer means taking the time to examine information, check its credibility, and consider the source before drawing conclusions. These habits can help individuals avoid misinformation and become more responsible when using digital media.

       The enthusiasm throughout the meeting reflected how relevant media literacy has become in everyday life. The topic offered participants a chance to look at their social media habits from a different perspective. Beyond improving their English knowledge, they were also introduced to an important skill that can be applied outside the learning environment, particularly when navigating the constantly changing digital landscape.

        The 18th Free Meeting brought a meaningful learning experience by connecting English language development with an issue that affects people in their daily lives. It showed that learning English can also open opportunities to discuss broader topics, exchange perspectives, and become more aware of the world around us. Through this session, E-YouC once again created a space where English learning and practical knowledge could come together.

       As the meeting came to an end, the importance of being thoughtful and responsible digital consumers remained a valuable takeaway for everyone involved. With growing enthusiasm for learning and exploring new knowledge, the participants were reminded that becoming digitally aware starts with a simple habit: think before you click, believe, or share.

Author: Rahma Yunita

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