The team of Provision International got approved training course under Erasmus + program approved on the first deadline in 2024.
In today’s digital age, social media has revolutionized how we consume and share information. Yet, this accessibility has a dark side: the rapid spread of unverified or fake news. In Europe, where 87% of young individuals aged 16 to 24 actively use social platforms, the youth are particularly susceptible to the dangers of misinformation.
Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict have amplified the spread of false narratives, with misinformation posing risks to public health, economic stability, and political harmony. Recognizing this threat, the NextGen MediaWatch project was initiated to equip youth workers with the tools needed to tackle fake news and its harmful effects on young people.
Objectives of the NextGen MediaWatch Project
This EU-funded initiative focuses on training youth workers to:
- Identify and define fake news while discerning credible sources from unreliable ones.
- Recognize manipulated social media content, including deepfakes and astroturfing.
- Advocate for robust media literacy by scrutinizing online content critically.
- Develop initiatives to educate young audiences on navigating the digital landscape responsibly.
The program also emphasizes a collective effort among educators, media organizations, policymakers, and social media consumers to counter disinformation effectively.
Why It Matters
Misinformation impacts youth profoundly, shaping their mental well-being, health decisions, and economic behavior. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fake news drove risky behaviors and vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, disinformation can polarize political opinions and create societal divisions, making media literacy a critical skill for the next generation.
Building a Resilient Youth
Through interactive workshops and innovative educational tools like games and simulations, the project has empowered youth workers to integrate media literacy into their work effectively. By fostering informed media consumption, the NextGen MediaWatch project takes a significant step toward safeguarding younger generations from the perils of fake news.
This initiative highlights the pivotal role of youth workers in promoting critical thinking, ensuring that future generations are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the digital world.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.