Following the tragic event in Kocani, numerous pieces of information are circulating in the public sphere and on social media, many of which are unverified, inaccurate, or taken out of context. The Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM) urges caution and responsibility when sharing and disseminating information, both by the media and by citizens who actively communicate on digital platforms.
In such sensitive situations, it is essential for citizens to have access to accurate and verified information. An increasing number of people are getting their information not from professional media but from personal opinions and unverified sources on social media. This practice can lead to panic, misinformation, and additional harm to the affected families and the community. Therefore, every individual has a personal responsibility to verify whether the information they share is accurate and comes from a reliable source.
The media, for their part, have a duty to report professionally, based on facts and with respect for the victims and their families. Sensationalist news, speculation, and unverified information not only undermine public trust in the media but also further disturb the public. Media responsibility is especially crucial when reporting on children and minors, as their privacy and dignity must be protected.
Public institutions and political entities have a duty to provide timely, accurate, and transparent information. The lack of official information creates a space for the spread of disinformation and speculation, increasing uncertainty and distrust among citizens. Additionally, media outlets and administrators of digital platforms should monitor the content posted in the comments on their websites and social media. Hate speech, calls for violence, and manipulative content must be removed to maintain responsible and constructive public communication.
MIM remains committed in promoting professional and ethical journalism and calls on everyone—media, institutions, and citizens—to be cautious, responsible, and critically engaged in the process of informing.
