could you analyze this interview with short as results of MA thesis interview qualitative about fake news in the Kurdistan region of Iraq?   Roshna Emin, (R.E.)

The first interview was conducted with Roshna Emin, whom I will refer to as (R.E.) for my thesis interview. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science Journalism and Communication Sciences and is a PhD student at the University of Leipzig. R.E. is fluent in Kurdish, Arabic, English, and German. She has lectured at the media departments of Salaheddin University and Sulaymaniyah University in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Additionally, she has worked as a women’s activist and journalist in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and has also worked for German TV channels in Germany. Moreover, she has conducted research in the region on the Kurdish genocide and has played a significant role in advocating for the recognition of the Yazidi genocide.

Question 1.  As a university professor, how would you define fake news?
(R.E.): Fake news is created through false news and information that is purposely directed to manipulate public opinion, disseminate misinformation, and mislead by mixing false and misleading information to distort the truth.

Question 2. Is there a study program about fake news in Kurdistan region universities?
(R.E.): Honestly, there is no special department for fake news, but some teachers discuss it in daily lectures, although it is not academically recognized. Kurdistan does not have specialists in fake news, and there are no research or special diploma programs dedicated to it. There are only some research papers, writings, and books that have touched upon the topic.

Question 3. What is the difference between fake news, disinformation, and propaganda?
(R.E.): All three terms refer to different concepts. Fake news includes all forms of false information and news. Disinformation refers to the intentional spread of false information through media channels. Propaganda is information that may be true or untrue, often passed on through word of mouth rather than media platforms. However, all three aim to manipulate public opinion using false information.

Question 4. How can we avoid or combat the spread of fake news on social media?
(R.E.): Promoting community awareness, providing courses and training, monitoring social media through specialized centers, and emphasizing education within universities and institutions can help combat fake news in the Kurdistan Region.

Question 5. Does media literacy or education have an impact on journalists and people’s ability to identify fake news on social media?
(R.E.): Yes, media literacy and education have a significant impact. Promoting public awareness through education is crucial in the Kurdistan Region. Support from institutions for journalists to participate in global training courses on false news and fake news is also important.

Question 6. What strategies can journalists employ to avoid and handle fake news?

(R.E.): There are three strategies: verifying the information by going back to the primary source, relying on their own intelligence and experience, and being detail-oriented to avoid fake news.

Question 7. Do you think fact-checking by journalists can have an impact on combating fake news?
(R.E.): Fact-checking is a crucial step for journalists in their work. By verifying information, they contribute to preventing the spread of false information. I often advise my students to be cautious and not rush to spread fake news, as it damages people’s trust.

Question 8. How many research studies have been conducted about fake news at your university?
(R.E.): To my knowledge, no research studies have been conducted at our university. The topic is still relatively new and is not considered a priority in the education system. However, some simple research studies have been done in the Kurdistan Region on specific issues such as the coronavirus or war, rather than on fake news in general.

Question 9. Do you think fake news on social media is causing people to avoid reading news on websites?
(R.E.): Yes, it is a significant factor, particularly in the Kurdistan society, where the abundance of conflicting news on social media leads to skepticism towards real news. Especially among those over 30, people tend to easily believe fake news, including manipulated photos and videos.

Question 10. How can journalism and media industries adapt to the challenges posed by fake news in the digital age?
(R.E.): Journalism and media industries should prioritize training, courses, language learning, and incorporating the study of fake news into educational curricula. This will help journalists develop their skills in detecting and combating fake news in the digital era. However, it takes time and effort to improve human capabilities in this field.

Question 11. Do you think fake news has increased on social media platforms over the past 15 years? If so, why?
(R.E.): Yes, fake news has increased significantly, specifically in the Kurdistan Region. Political, religious, and economic issues are the main reasons for the prevalence of fake news. It is often used as part of political and economic campaigns against the Kurdistan Region, fueled by social media platforms.

Question 12. Do you believe that the formation of algorithms and echo chambers contribute to the prevalence of fake news?
(R.E.): Yes, in the Kurdistan Region, social relationships are strong. When people encounter fake news, they tend to share it, and eventually, others believe the same information regardless of its accuracy. This phenomenon is amplified by algorithms and echo chambers, especially in close-knit communities.

Question 13. Do you believe that Kurdistan region social media needs specific laws or rules implemented by the government or parliament?
(R.E.): Yes, implementing proper legislation without infringing on the freedom of the media can help control and prevent the spread of fake news. Similar to some countries, Kurdistan may consider legally banning certain subjects. For example, in Germany, any news about the Nazi regime is punished. In the case of Iraq Kurdistan, fake news supporting Saddam Hussein’s former regime is still prevalent despite being banned by law. Therefore, a dedicated law addressing fake news is necessary to effectively deal with the issue.

Question 14. Do you think fake news is published on Kurdistan social media predominantly for political purposes?
(R.E.): Yes, most of the fake news published in the Kurdistan Region serves specific purposes and objectives. Fake news is intentionally disseminated to achieve desired political outcomes.

Question 15. When did the phenomenon of fake news first emerge in the Kurdistan region?
(R.E.): The phenomenon of spreading false information in the Kurdistan region dates back to the civil war after 1970. It was initially known as propaganda. However, with the advent of the internet and social media, the dissemination and impact of fake news have significantly increased.