“Don’t Just Believe”: In Angers, a Polytech Professor Advocates for Informed Information

Amid growing concerns about misinformation, a French professor campaigns for critical thinking and media literacy among students and the public.

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly across social media and other platforms, a professor at Polytech Angers is leading an important educational effort to promote critical thinking and media literacy. His message is clear: “Don’t just believe.” The professor, whose passion for education and advocacy has made him a key figure on campus, is determined to equip his students and the wider public with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex information landscape.

The Man Behind the Mission: A Passion for Truth

At Polytech Angers, an institution known for its focus on engineering and technology, this professor has taken a different yet equally vital path—teaching his students how to critically evaluate the information they encounter daily. Recognizing the dangers of misinformation, especially in a world where the internet is a primary source of news for many, he emphasizes the importance of asking questions, verifying facts, and seeking out reliable sources.

His mission extends beyond the classroom. He often speaks at public events, participates in workshops, and contributes to media literacy programs aimed at empowering citizens to make informed decisions. His goal is simple but crucial: to foster a more informed society that doesn’t simply accept information at face value but actively seeks to understand and verify it.

A Response to Misinformation: The Importance of Media Literacy

The rise of misinformation, particularly online, has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. This professor’s work in Angers addresses this issue head-on. Through his lectures and public talks, he explains how unchecked information can lead to harmful consequences, from political manipulation to public health crises.

At the core of his teaching is the idea that being well-informed requires effort. “It’s not enough to passively absorb information,” he often tells his students. “We must engage with it, question its validity, and trace its origins.” In his classes, he introduces techniques for identifying credible sources, distinguishing between opinion and fact, and recognizing bias in reporting.

His approach has resonated with students who, in an increasingly digital world, are constantly bombarded with news, opinions, and data from countless sources. Many of them now feel more confident in their ability to filter out misleading information and engage with media more critically.

Bringing Critical Thinking Into the Curriculum

At Polytech, this professor has been instrumental in integrating media literacy into the wider curriculum. Though traditionally a school focused on STEM subjects, Polytech Angers has embraced the importance of interdisciplinary learning. The professor’s courses, which challenge students to think beyond their technical expertise, have become popular among those who recognize the value of being well-rounded professionals and citizens.

By encouraging critical thinking across disciplines, he has managed to bridge the gap between engineering and the humanities. His students are learning that critical thinking is not just for journalists or political scientists but is essential for anyone—whether they’re designing software, working in research, or engaging with the public.

In addition to teaching formal courses, he has also led extracurricular initiatives, such as organizing debates, encouraging participation in fact-checking projects, and guiding students through media analysis exercises. His dedication to helping students develop these essential skills has earned him widespread respect among his peers and the local community.

Engaging the Public: A Broader Campaign for Information Awareness

Outside the academic environment, this professor’s campaign for better media literacy has gained traction. His public seminars have drawn attention from various sectors, including educators, journalists, and even local politicians. Through these forums, he advocates for a greater societal effort to combat misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the role everyone plays in creating a more informed society.

A key part of his message is that we must all take responsibility for the information we consume and share. “We have a duty to verify before we believe, and certainly before we pass on information to others,” he said in a recent public talk. “Sharing unverified information can have serious consequences, and we must all be more vigilant.”

His advocacy for media literacy also includes reaching out to younger generations. In collaboration with local schools, he has helped develop programs aimed at teaching children how to critically evaluate the news and social media content they encounter. These efforts are part of a larger push to ensure that future generations grow up with the skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.

The Future of Informed Citizenship

As misinformation continues to evolve, this professor’s work becomes ever more relevant. With the spread of artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and increasingly sophisticated methods of content manipulation, the challenge of discerning truth from falsehood is only growing.

However, the professor remains optimistic. He believes that with the right education and tools, people can become better equipped to handle the challenges of the information age. His work at Polytech Angers serves as a model for how critical thinking and media literacy can be taught across disciplines, preparing students not just for their careers but for their roles as informed and responsible citizens.

In a world where the truth is often obscured by noise, his message stands out: don’t just believe, question and verify. By fostering a culture of inquiry and skepticism, this professor is helping to shape a more informed, thoughtful, and engaged society.

The efforts of the Polytech Angers professor to promote media literacy and critical thinking serve as an essential reminder of the importance of informed citizenship. In an age dominated by digital information, his advocacy for questioning, verifying, and understanding the news is vital. Through his work both in the classroom and in the community, he continues to make a lasting impact, encouraging individuals to be active participants in the fight against misinformation.

The efforts of the Polytech Angers professor highlight the crucial role of media literacy in today’s information age. His advocacy for critical thinking, questioning, and verifying information resonates in a world increasingly affected by misinformation. By teaching students and the public to approach media with skepticism and a desire to understand the facts, he is helping to foster a more informed, engaged society. His work reminds us all that staying well-informed requires active participation, making critical thinking an essential skill for navigating the complexities of modern information.