Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) successfully hosted its second seminar to equip its volunteers and the broader community with critical tools to navigate the challenges of today’s overwhelming information environment. The seminar, “Infoxication and Fake News: How to Protect Our Minds in the Digital Era,” was led by Jesse Rylander, VIA’s Communications Coordinator, during the organization’s second volunteer meeting of the year.

Building upon VIA’s commitment to strengthening resilience among immigrant communities, the seminar focused on recognizing the dangers of infoxication, the overwhelming overload of information, and identifying the psychological impact of fake news. Rylander outlined the emotional consequences of constant exposure to alarming and often false information, including anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue, particularly during times of immigration crises.

Participants learned how emotions like fear and outrage can make individuals more vulnerable to disinformation and how to apply practical methods such as the PRUEBA test (Purpose, Responsibility, Usefulness, Links, Base, and Actuality) to evaluate information before accepting or sharing it critically. Rylander also shared professional journalistic strategies adapted for everyday life, including verifying sources, avoiding impulsive sharing, and utilizing fact-checking tools like Google Reverse Image Search and Snopes. In addition, the seminar stressed the importance of setting healthy digital boundaries, limiting time on social media, and prioritizing mental health through conscious information intake.

Rylander emphasized the essential role of discretion and critical thinking when facing sensationalist or fear-driven news, encouraging participants to cultivate spaces for discussion and reflection instead of reaction.

This seminar marks the second in VIA’s ongoing series addressing emotional coping strategies amid the immigration turmoil many face today. The first seminar, “Strength in Times of Uncertainty: How to Face Fear and Anxiety Amid Deportation Risks,” presented by coach Liliana Torella earlier this year, provided foundational emotional support for those grappling with the instability caused by immigration challenges.

VIA remains committed to providing educational initiatives that build informed, resilient, and emotionally strong communities, particularly during this pivotal time of the migration crisis.

The organization plans to open the Infoxication and Fake News seminar to the broader community in the coming months as part of its ongoing efforts to promote media literacy, emotional well-being, and social resilience.