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Presenter: "Welcome to the first episode of our informational series on the dynamics of information influence. Today, we're diving into the concept of information influence, why it matters, and the crucial role of psychological defence. We’ll also discuss the vital role journalists play in countering information influence. Let's get started!"

"First, let's define information influence. Information influence refers to the strategic use of information to affect perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours. This can involve spreading true, false, or misleading information to achieve specific goals. In today’s digital age, information flows rapidly across borders and platforms, making it a potent tool for shaping public opinion and decision-making. Think of how you consume and share news with friends and family and why you select the sources that you do."

"Information influence can manifest in various forms, such as news articles, social media posts, and advertisements. The intent behind these messages can range from benign to malicious, aiming to persuade, manipulate, or deceive audiences."

"Understanding the concept of information influence brings us to the importance of psychological defence. Psychological defence is our mental and emotional resilience against attempts to manipulate our thoughts and behaviours. It's about being aware and critical of the information we consume."

Presenter: "In an era where misinformation and disinformation are rampant, building a strong psychological defence is crucial. This means developing critical thinking skills, verifying sources, and being sceptical of information that seems too sensational or biassed. When was the last time you came across controversy over a topic generated by ‘clickbait’ reports? Who do you know that is most vulnerable to such content and why? Let’s quickly take a look for ourselves."

Please pause the video and take five minutes to find an example of where you find people engaging with news that can be considered sensational, scandalous or ‘buzz-worthy’? Who wrote it and how did it catch the audience’s attention? How did it inform their opinions thereafter? How are you able to tell that it is not reliable?

"I hope you found something interesting, and that you have seen that it is possible for you to access these communities from exactly where you are. In other words, information influencing happens quite often around us. By strengthening our psychological defence, we protect ourselves from being swayed by false narratives and ensure that our beliefs and decisions are based on accurate, reliable information. This should not tell us what to think but empower us to cast our own judgement based on facts we can trust."

"Journalists play a pivotal role in countering information influence. Their responsibility goes beyond reporting facts; it extends to verifying information, providing context, and uncovering the truth."

"In the face of information influence activities, journalists must act as gatekeepers of information. This involves rigorous fact-checking, identifying misinformation, and presenting balanced perspectives. Their work helps the public navigate the complex information landscape and make informed decisions."

"Moreover, journalists have the duty to educate the public about information influence and its effects. By raising awareness and providing tools for critical analysis, they empower individuals to become discerning consumers of information."

“Consider what journalists do to combat disinformation: is it passive or proactive? Do they engage head on or does it in some way inform their own content?”

Presenter: "In summary, understanding information influence and building psychological defence are essential in today's media environment. Journalists play a crucial role in this process by ensuring the integrity of the information we receive and fostering a well-informed society."

"Together, by staying informed and critical, we can protect ourselves from the negative impacts of information influence and contribute to a healthier information ecosystem. Thank you for joining us today. Stay vigilant, stay informed.”