Media Literacy

Tools

  • Keywords:
  • Countering Disinformation
  • Media Literacy
  • Digital Security
  • Disinformation
  • Fact-checking
  • Resilience
  • Open Data
  • Digital Activism
  • False narratives
  • OSINT (open-source intelligence)
  • Organizational resilience
  • Languages:
  • English
  • English
Disinformation can spread like fire in today's digital age. To mitigate the threat, the TechSoup Guide on Digital Tools for Countering Disinformation equips activists and CSOs with a range of digital tools to identify, analyze, and counter disinformation effectively.The rapid spread of disinformation threatens societies worldwide. This free-of-charge guide is tailored for activists and CSOs, providing practical knowledge and tools, to navigate and combat digital falsehoods. Whether you're a novice or an expert in countering disinformation, the guide offers valuable insights and step-by-step instructions for everyone.Why is it worth using the Guide on Digital Tools for Countering Disinformation?Head to the guide to get:Comprehensive Tool Overview: Detailed descriptions of tools across various categories, such as social media monitoring, image and video analysis, or cybersecurity.Practical Usage Examples: Real-world scenarios demonstrating how to leverage these tools effectively.User-Friendly Guidance: Step-by-step instructions to ensure tools are accessible to all skill levels.Expert Recommendations: Curated selection based on relevance, effectiveness, and practicality, prepared by TechSoup Experts and Partners.✅🔗 See it for yourself! Dive into the guide and arm yourself with knowledge to promote and protect truth, and accuracy in the digital information space! Download the Guide here!
  • Keywords:
  • Media Literacy
  • Digital Security
  • Digital well-being
  • Resilience
  • Languages:
  • Keywords:
  • Media Literacy
  • Digital well-being
  • Resilience
  • Open Data
  • Communication
  • Languages:
  • English
WITNESS is a human rights non-profit organisation based in Brooklyn, New York. Its mission is to partner with on-the-ground organisations to support the documentation of human rights violations and their consequences to further public engagement, policy change and justice.

Posts

Media Literacy and Misinformation Education in iQLANDIA

The iQLANDIA science center in Liberec is an interactive educational institution that has been inspiring discovery in science and technology since 2014. It offers a variety of exhibitions and programs for children, young people, and adults, covering topics ranging from physics and chemistry to artificial intelligence and robotics. For schools, it provides specialized educational programs that complement the school curriculum and add an experiential dimension to learning. The programs are adapted to different age groups and cover topics such as media literacy, critical thinking, and working with digital technologies. Students can explore current issues such as misinformation and the use of artificial intelligence in education in a fun and interactive way.

VIA Association | 3 min read | Nov 28, 2024

Data Literacy and Activism: Tools to Address Bias and Advance Inclusion feat. Kuba Piwowar

Data is all around us and with us, almost every moment of our life. In the digital age, we produce and use vast amounts of data. Does data mirror society and its complexity? Can the digital world offer hope for alternative solutions to inequality?

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Nov 25, 2024

GenZ Voters: Truth over Disinformation

This Local Action case study presents how 30 students from Romania created an awareness campaign in which they informed and motivated their peers about the importance of voting. The campaign also focused on techniques for countering disinformation that young people could apply in their everyday lives.

Hive Mind | 5 min read | Nov 20, 2024

Interactive computer game "Disinformation Challenge" for developing critical thinking and building resistance to disinformation

In today's digital society, the spread of disinformation has become a significant threat to information security. Many people are exposed daily to misleading or incorrect information on social networks and in the media, making it crucial to learn how to identify fake facts. In order to protect against misinformation, various innovative solutions are being sought to prevent its spread. In this context, a game has been developed to help students strengthen their ability to analyze information, thus contributing to the overall improvement of information literacy in society.

Civic Resilience Initiative | 4 min read | Nov 12, 2024

Parents should be cautious when their children interact with chatbots

"Chatbots fail to recognize human sensitivity, diversity, and values, which can lead to algorithmic errors. The real threat is allowing chatbots to make decisions for us," warns psychologist and psychotherapist Marija Stefanova.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 6 min read | Nov 7, 2024

Some Practical Steps to Combat Dangerous TikTok Trends

In today’s society, influenced by social media, the lure of online trends can often lead to actions with dangerous consequences. TikTok is a social media platform where users can create, share, and watch short videos.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 3 min read | Nov 4, 2024

Reading Recommendation from the Metamorphosis Foundation

When it comes to reading, many opt for easy and enjoyable reads, but we have an excellent recommendation for those looking for something more profound.

“The Mirage of Truth: Complexities and Challenges of Disinformation in the Western Balkans” is a perfect read for those who want to learn more about the disinformation landscape in the region.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 1 min read | Oct 29, 2024

Music and Hatred: How a Song Caused Ethnic Tensions at a Student Party in Skopje

A student party in Skopje this spring took an unexpected turn when playing an Albanian song towards the end of the event sparked controversy and hate speech on social media. Despite the organization’s inclusive nature, which includes members from diverse ethnic backgrounds, a nationalist group named “Patriotsko drushtvo” (Patriotic Society) on Instagram, self-proclaimed as a “young, ambitious group of patriots filled with enthusiasm,” criticized the inclusion of the song in Albanian, triggering hate speech aimed at the student organization.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 5 min read | Oct 29, 2024

Why Is Open Data Important?

The new video from the Metamorphosis Foundation reminds you why we should focus more on Open Data.

Metamorphosis Foundation | Oct 28, 2024

Centrum LOCIKA Experience in the Fight Against Disinformation and Misinformation

As an organization focused on helping children affected by domestic violence, Centrum LOCIKA often faces various forms of disinformation and misinformation about its activities. Both can significantly damage reputation, erode public trust, and have a negative impact on the work of the organization. In this article, we will share specific experiences in refuting misinformation and offer practices that may be useful for other organizations.

VIA Association | 7 min read | Oct 24, 2024

Digital Ecology 101: Climate, Activism, and Resilient Future feat. Joanna Murzyn

Imagine this moment but without the internet. It is impossible, as you are reading this online, right? Have you ever wondered what the “insides” of the internet look like? How is data stored and how is the internet transmitted? Or what consequences does it have for the environment?

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Oct 16, 2024

Social media monitoring tools in NGO practice

What can we learn about our organization using social media monitoring tools?

Political Capital | 14 min read | Oct 2, 2024

Traditional media disappearing - what does this mean for NGOs?

We are inundated with information, but we still know nothing about important things. In addition to the exhausting traditional platforms, we find our way through newer and newer channels, but we usually receive filtered information and endless impulses. Division is growing, trust is in ruins. Instead of running away, it's worth understanding the situation, and we also have room for maneuver as an NGO.

NIOK | 5 min read | Oct 2, 2024

Messages in Video Format: It Is Not What You Say That Comes Across to the Viewer, But What You Believe in

The biggest manipulators, including, for example, Arthur Finkelstein, who developed the Soros campaign, realized important things about the workings of the public, which we need to understand if we want video campaigns aimed at social change.

NIOK | 9 min read | Oct 2, 2024

Increasing Your Reach on Social Media

To find out what influences social media reach and how we can put the algorithm to work for you, read on!

NIOK | 6 min read | Oct 2, 2024

Disinformation: From Lies to Behavioral Manipulation

Unlike misinformation, which is often spread unintentionally, disinformation is characterized by its purposeful intent to deceive. It typically involves a well-thought-out plan that includes the creation of false or misleading content, as well as a strategy for its dissemination to reach and influence a wide audience.

VIA Association | 6 min read | Sep 30, 2024

Artificial Intelligence: How It Is Changing Our Lives and Combating Misinformation – an Interview with an AI Lecturer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the key technological innovations. It not only helps to optimize everyday processes but also opens new opportunities to tackle complex challenges in areas as diverse as healthcare, education, transport, and business. AI technologies allow us to perform tasks faster and more efficiently, analyze large amounts of data, make better-informed decisions, and anticipate future needs.

Civic Resilience Initiative | 8 min read | Sep 26, 2024

Tips for the Educators: Unexpected Bonuses of Media Literacy in the Classroom

During the last two years more than 240 educators have participated in NPO Tuleviku Meedia training and projects, and thanks to them we had an opportunity to validate, improve, and implement different methods of teaching media and information literacy. We want to share some insights that may help you or your colleagues find a way to teach media and information literacy in your school and community.

Baltic Centre for Media Excellence | 6 min read | Sep 25, 2024

Bridging Values with Action: Hope-based Communications feat. Thomas Coombes

We live in multilayered, complicated, and complex times. The ambivalence and ambiguity of the world have never been so visible on a daily basis. Alongside growth, development, and positive societal changes, we also observe rising inequalities, human rights violations, and social problems.

Hive Mind | 3 min read | Sep 18, 2024

Integrating AI and Adapting to the Technological Shift in Journalism

Deepfakes, as artificially manipulated content, are one of the most significant issues in today’s world of (dis)information. However, we must also acknowledge the benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) brings to the world of information. There are now numerous examples worldwide of AI becoming an integral part of the daily work of media professionals, from writing news articles about specific events to creating visualizations of people or things that could not be realized without the help of an application.

Dren Gerguri | 4 min read | Sep 12, 2024

Why Do Politicians Lie?

See the newest video from Metamorphosis Foundation and learn about the mechanisms behind the political manipulation.

Metamorphosis Foundation | Sep 10, 2024

How to Detect if an Image is AI-Generated?

We live in a digital age where every day we witness the advancement of one of the most prominent trends of our time: artificial intelligence. The beauty of this new trend lies in its accessibility to everyone and its versatility for virtually every need: writing texts, assembling ready-made code for programs, assisting in the creation of 3D models, which can then be used in medicine, and much more. However, for the time being, artificial intelligence is mostly used for generating images.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 4 min read | Sep 4, 2024

Double the Defense: What is the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Learn more about the two-factor authentication in a new video by Metamorphosis Foundation!

Metamorphosis Foundation | Aug 30, 2024

What Are Algorithms and How Do They Work on Social Media?

An algorithm is a procedure used to solve a problem or perform a calculation. Algorithms operate based on an exact list of instructions carried out step by step or routinely based on hardware or software. On social media, algorithms are rules, signals, and data that govern the platform's operation. These algorithms determine how content is filtered, ranked, selected, and recommended to users. In a way, algorithms influence our choices and what we see on social media.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 3 min read | Aug 27, 2024

Media Literacy: An Essential Tool in the Fight Against Disinformation

In today's information society, where digital technologies and the internet are increasingly important, media literacy is becoming an indispensable skill area. This includes the ability to analyze information, understand its sources, and to understand how the media shape our perception of the world.

Civic Resilience Initiative | 4 min read | Aug 26, 2024

How to Identify an Image Created by Artificial Intelligence?

Images created by artificial intelligence are becoming more and more realistic, and thus more difficult to distinguish from real photographs. There are several methods which may be used to identify photographs created by AI, by noticing their unnatural textures or warped backgrounds.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Aug 20, 2024

Digital Detox

With phones practically glued to our hands and constantly going off with notifications, we are in an era where devices dictate our every move. The pressure to remain constantly informed and up to date with current events can sometimes become too big and overwhelm us. This marks a period where it is necessary to take a step back and create some distance from the devices dominating our lives.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Aug 20, 2024

How to Use Artificial Intelligence the Right Way?

The rise of Artificial Intelligence is permeating every facet of society, from daily life, education, healthcare, manufacturing, security, and finance, all the way to social media. One critical issue emerging is the challenge of distinguishing between what is real and what is generated by AI. Due to negative criticism, addressing and clarifying how AI should be utilized properly becomes imperative.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Aug 19, 2024

Strengthen Your Media Literacy Skills and Navigate with Confidence

We live in an era where the flow of information is constant, coming from countless sources: friends, social media, YouTube shows, and news platforms. But with so much content at our fingertips, a crucial question arises: how can we distinguish truth from falsehood?

MAKAIA | 2 min read | Aug 16, 2024

The Potential and Benefits of Using Generative AI Chatbots for Media Literacy Training

This article investigates the types and usage of AI-powered technology – large language models (LLMs) that can mimic the way we talk and write – from the perspective of media literacy.

Ivanova Iglika | 12 min read | Aug 12, 2024

Technological Sophistication and the Difficulty of Detecting Deepfakes: Every Second Respondent Is Deceived by Two Deepfakes in the Experiment

Deepfakes are a form of audio-visual manipulation through artificial intelligence. Recent developments in this field have increased the curiosity to understand more about deepfakes. The literature on deepfakes has multiplied in recent years.

Dren Gerguri | 4 min read | Jul 4, 2024

Youth Council – the Cook or the Food in the Media Kitchen?

In a small-scale project – media literacy training seminar “From Consumer to Creator” – 30 Municipal Youth Councils’ representatives* from five different municipalities in Latvia gathered to reflect on their media consumption habits, explore their own cognitive bias, learn about social media algorithms, and exchange their practices creating collaboration ideas for the future.

Sintija Lase | 8 min read | Jul 3, 2024

Introducing DeepFakeShield: Dren Gerguri's 6-Step Model to Combat AI Manipulation

The rise of AI technology has raised significant concerns about the spread of disinformation, but also about fraud and privacy breaches. Deepfakes, which are highly realistic synthetic media messages created using artificial intelligence, have a potential to deceive and manipulate on a massive scale. These sophisticated manipulations could be done in different forms, such as video, audio, and image, and the result is often indistinguishable, making it very challenging to discern a difference between real and manipulated content.

Dren Gerguri | 4 min read | Jul 3, 2024

The Role of Video Games for Developing Participatory Culture and Media Literacy

Video games (VG) have evolved from simple entertainment to a powerful cultural force. As VG become embedded in the fabric of people's daily life, their influence is far-reaching, spanning the entertainment industry, social interactions, economic activities, and educational approaches.

Ivanova Iglika | 8 min read | Jun 28, 2024

Checkbot: Championing Media Literacy Online

Unveiling 'Checkbot' is a pioneering media literacy project at the forefront of empowering digital audiences now live on Facebook and Instagram.

Tomáš Kriššák | 2 min read | Jun 28, 2024

Young People in the Internet Age: Cybersecurity Challenges and Learning How to Use Internet Safely

In Lithuania, as in many other countries, children are spending more and more time on the internet. New technologies, social media platforms, games and social networks are becoming an integral part of children’s daily lives. Youngsters spend more than a few hours a day online. This includes gaming, social networking, watching videos, studying and other online activities. Of course, the amount of time spent on the internet can vary depending on a child’s age, hobbies, family agreements and other factors, but there is a trend that children are starting to use the internet and spend their leisure time online at an increasingly younger age.

Civic Resilience Initiative | 4 min read | Jun 27, 2024

How to Recognize and Handle Online Trolling?

It has probably happened to you - you comment on some of your own views on Facebook or post something that may not seem so controversial to you. Someone with an opposing opinion appears and conveys this in a provocative and stubborn tone. Suddenly, the entire conversation is thrown in an illogical direction, you waste time and nerves, and in the end, you wonder how such people can exist.

In short, you’ve encountered a troll.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 5 min read | Jun 26, 2024

Why Is Media Literacy Important in Schools?

At present, more than one third of the world’s population uses the Internet, and this trend is on a continuous rise. It is almost impossible to imagine life without the Internet, which offers thousands of information sources, digital books and maps, social media, e-commerce, digital libraries and museums, news…

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Jun 26, 2024

Fact-Checking Fundamentals: Essential Source Analysis Tools for Everyone

In a world flooded with information, determining the credibility of sources we use to inform our choices is more critical than ever. Source analysis tools are essential for verifying the reliability of news and information, helping us to separate fact from fiction.

Daniel Milo | 2 min read | Jun 25, 2024

Empowering the Future: Havířov High School Students Tackle Disinformation Through Innovative Workshops

In the heart of the Havířov region in Czechia, a dynamic group of young minds from the Comenius High School would like to shape the future in the region they call home. Havířov, an economically and socially excluded region with a long-lasting poor level of infrastructure and education, with many challenges, is also vulnerable towards disinformation. Led by a TechSoup Master Trainer Aneta Bednářová, supported by an active teacher Jana, this passionate team embarked on a project focused on combating disinformation. Their journey unfolded through creating and piloting of a peer-to-peer workshop, igniting a spark of awareness and empowerment among their peers. “Let`s empower media literacy in Havířov”, we say.

Aneta Bednářová | 3 min read | Jun 24, 2024

What Is "Prebunking" and How Does It Work?

Fake news is believed to be complex for various reasons. Among other things, they refer to our personality and attitude to facts, and there are various cognitive mechanisms that distort our perception. The question arises: How can we become more resilient?

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Jun 4, 2024

Fake Advertising – Real Problems: How Easy Is It to Scam People on Social Networks?

Online scams are an inexhaustible topic where virtually anyone can be a victim, no matter how knowledgeable and educated they are and how many times they say "don't click" to themselves. This is true in particular when someone's health is at stake, and people can easily fall for manipulations and fake news when they are vulnerable or feel helpless. Thus, there are frequent examples of users of social networks clicking on advertisements for medicine promising to cure hundreds of diseases, various supplements for rapid weight loss within a few days, purifying the body in just a few hours, etc.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Jun 4, 2024

What Are “Positive Narratives” and How Can They Contribute to Combating Misinformation?

Misinformation from various platforms spreads rapidly around the world, proliferating through social media further without verification by users. Social networking platforms are designed to distribute as much content as possible to users that captures their attention. Since the human brain works in such a way that it pays more attention to negativity and fear, the content served tends to be negative. This enables social networks to influence entire populations at an unprecedented scale and speed. An MIT University study shows that fake news spreads 6 times faster than verified news. In such an environment, how can activists and officials communicate effectively, and how are they organized? How are they countering misinformation?

Metamorphosis Foundation | 1 min read | Jun 4, 2024

The 8 Basic Principles of Cybersecurity for Non-Governmental Organizations

Digital transformation has made organizations dependent on technology for performing their work. But despite its many benefits, digitalization also brings cybercrime. According to the “Nonprofit Tech for Good Report” from 2023, 27% of NGOs around the world have suffered at least one cyberattack. NGOs collect, manage and process large amounts of data on people in sensitive situations as well as financial data from donors, which are the main reasons they are targeted by malicious actors, making the sector the third industry most targeted by hackers.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 2 min read | Jun 4, 2024

How To Prepare For A Crisis? And How To Communicate About It?

Crises come in various forms, often unpredictable, and the organization's ability to ensure operational continuity, adaptability, and prevent reputational risks is directly tied to its preparedness. Staff members must be able to make quick decisions and implement crisis management strategies effectively. The readiness to adapt and respond promptly is crucial. In this article, we will outline steps for your organization to swiftly respond to a crisis and ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge to handle a crisis in a confident and professional manner.

Baltic Centre for Media Excellence | 10 min read | May 27, 2024

Media Literacy as a Fundamental Instrument in Combating Climate Disinformation

Climate change is a global challenge that affects the lives of every citizen on Earth. This impact will become increasingly visible and more severe as global temperatures increase. Scientists say we need to act now. Unfortunately, disinformation prevents us from taking serious steps and continues to cast doubt on this issue. How can we counteract it?

Justyna Ignaszak | 8 min read | May 22, 2024

What Do Platform Standards Protect Us From?

In recent years, platform regulation projects have forced companies to actively fight against what they call "harmful content". This is the case of the Digital Services Act, an ambitious project that has been implemented in the European Union and has served as inspiration for similar projects, such as the UK's Online Safety Bill or the so-called "fake news project" in Brazil.

Linterna Verde | 5 min read | May 10, 2024

MAKAIA: Learn about our work during 2023

In Makaia, we work to strengthen social development capabilities based on technology, cooperation and innovation. From the Digital Resilience project, which is based on the Hive Mind platform, we seek to create and share tools, knowledge and good habits in the digital sphere to counteract misinformation in the Latin American region.

MAKAIA | 1 min read | May 9, 2024

Join our training: Building Youth Resilience. What Works, What Doesn't, and How to Make a Difference. Warsaw, 4-6th June 2024

Let’s come together to learn on how to strengthen young people in being more resilient (online and offline) and improve their (as well as our own) wellbeing in the times of widespread disinformation, limited attention span and general information noise.

Hive Mind | 3 min read | Apr 29, 2024

Understanding and Countering Disinformation in Electoral Contexts: Advice for Voters and NGOs

For the better part of the last decade, we, as citizens of the modern setting, living our lives in a world where the Internet is part of our everyday existence, are aware of disinformation. Call it fake news, propaganda, misinformation, the umbrella of disinformation covers the many aspects of this topic. A rose by any other name: name it as you wish, it’s still the same thing.

Laura Burtan | 8 min read | Apr 29, 2024

Influential and Sustainable? Lessons Learned from Research on Media Literacy Projects in Latvia

In Latvia, a number of media literacy projects are created each year with funding from the state budget and international partners. Initially, several years ago, the crucial aim was to fill the void in this field. However, how influential and sustainable are the media literacy projects created in the last three years, and what are their main shortcomings? This was clarified in the quantitative evaluation of the projects and the survey completed by their creators.

Baltic Centre for Media Excellence | 8 min read | Apr 4, 2024

Did it sound youth-ish? How to communicate with Gen Z? - Resiliency Kit Webinar Takeaways: Q&A Video Recording

Ever found yourself thinking, "How on earth do I connect with these Gen Z folks?" Well, look no further – you've landed in the right place! Watch this video recording from a recent, engaging Q&A session with our Comms Expert on Gen Z, Berina Bulatović, and tackle the perpetual challenge of improving your organization’s communication with the younger generation.

Hive Mind | 1 min read | Apr 2, 2024

Top Reporting Tips for Elections

The need for objectivity, neutrality and balance in journalism is a daily challenge for professional media, but one of the biggest challenges to media professionalism comes with the elections. The election process presents a challenge for the media, as it puts into focus their purpose to offer citizens access to all facts, opinions and ideas in the campaign. Journalists must also ensure access to the media so that citizens' voices can be heard beyond the words of political debate.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 3 min read | Mar 21, 2024

The FashionForwardNarratives: Empowering Sustainability - Local Action - Case Study

Today, we would like to share with you an important awareness-raising campaign - a case study from the Local Action Plan carried out by our TechSoup Trainers.

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Mar 7, 2024

How to Solve the Equation: Elderly People + Social Media

The population across the European Union is ageing. This is a fact that is more often looked at as a problem, rather than an opportunity. However, it is time to reverse the perspective. One of the main problems especially in countries like Bulgaria, is that opportunities are not given and sought for the active inclusion of the elderly in public life. Due to the digitalization of the world a big part of social debates has migrated to the digital space. Elderly people want to participate and be heard.

Kristina Hristova | 8 min read | Feb 29, 2024

Cognitive Biases and Logic Pitfalls: Behind Reasoning and Decision-Making

Logical fallacies and cognitive bias go hand in hand. It takes critical thinking skills and positive self-doubt to avoid these traps that contribute to stereotyping, stigmatization, misrepresentation, and other negative outcomes of the lack of media literacy skills. This is the fourth article in the series produced together with the Baltic Media Centre of Excellence, where we explore the intricacies of the human mind and the potential traps in decision-making, while reminding you of 12 common cognitive biases and 10 logical fallacies that often shape our understanding of information.

Baltic Centre for Media Excellence | 6 min read | Feb 19, 2024

The strongest tool in the fight against disinformation is critical thinking. How to apply it?

Critical thinking is the ability of an individual to recognize or evaluate and critically analyze a particular issue. Critical thinking develops from an early age, and every person acquires it on an individual basis. To determine if we have critical thinking, we must acquire skills for observation, analysis, interpretation, reflective thinking, evaluation, conclusion, explanation, problem-solving, and making the most appropriate decisions, writes Portalb.mk.

Metamorphosis Foundation | 3 min read | Feb 15, 2024

What to Pay Attention to When Shopping Online?

Until a few years ago, online shopping was primarily associated with tech-savvy individuals or used for specialized products. However, nowadays, online shopping has become a normal part of our daily lives. Entrusting personal banking information to the online realm no longer sounds as daunting as it did a decade ago. Although online money transfers through banks are more secure than ever, it doesn't mean we shouldn't be cautious about spending money online.

Борјан Гаговски | 4 min read | Feb 14, 2024

Surviving Elections-Related Disinformation: The Case of South Africa

The advent of the internet, and social media platforms in particular, has fundamentally changed how we engage with the world, including how we communicate, socialise, learn, work, and participate. While this has presented significant opportunities for the right to freedom of expression, it has also raised several pressing challenges regarding the dissemination of information online, more especially during an election period.

Azola | 7 min read | Feb 5, 2024

Mindfulness Online: Your Guide to Digital Well-Being

Not all time spent online is a time well-spent (let’s be honest – more frequently it’s not even time well-wasted). While media literacy skills are crucial for understanding and structuring the great wave of information coming our way every day, doing it while maintaining a healthy relationship with technology is another matter. This is the third article in the series produced together with the Baltic Media Centre of Excellence, where we explore the psychology behind online interactions, as well as provide tips for digital well-being.

Baltic Centre for Media Excellence | 6 min read | Jan 29, 2024

NIOK | 6 min read | Jan 23, 2024

Beyond the Hype: AI Ethics, Digital Literacy and Community Impact.

At the beginning of 2024, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is still trending. We observe new tools, upgrades, and public discourse focusing on the hyped generative AI. As most of the focus is being placed on the technological level, the ethical and societal contexts of AI use need more attention from the perspective of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Jan 22, 2024

Propaganda: the Power of Persuasion

In this video, the Metamorphosis Foundation shows what propaganda actually is and where and how it shapes opinions even today.

Goshe Nikolov | Jan 17, 2024

The Pillars of Media Literacy and the Dynamics of Media Representation

Media literacy is the key to navigating the vast sea of information that surrounds us. This is the second article in the series produced together with the Baltic Media Centre of Excellence, where we remind you of the very basics of media literacy. In this article, you’ll find a concise recap on what the five core concepts of media literacy are, as well as a more detailed explanation why representation matters.

Baltic Centre for Media Excellence | 5 min read | Jan 16, 2024

Bombastic news published on a portal you're hearing about for the first time? Check the imprint

The influx of media content in cyberspace sometimes makes us, as readers, seek information that is different from the rest. For the public, it is crucial to “discover” something new that brings fresh insights into certain important societal issues or questions of personal interest to individuals. However, sometimes behind the “new things”, we see bombastic headlines, spectacular claims unsupported by evidence, unconfirmed or unofficial information, as well as disinformation that can cause more harm than lead to positive change in society.

Бојан Блажевски | 3 min read | Jan 11, 2024

Think before you click – Stay safe on social networks

The concept of “think before you click” is one of the most important factors in terms of information safety. This regards everything that is offered to you on social networks, the advertisements that pop up as you read a text on a web-page, links that “invite” you to open them as you are watching a YouTube video, and the "like" button.

Antonija Popovska | 2 min read | Dec 13, 2023

Bytes of Influence: Profiling, Privacy, and Social Media Evolution - feat. Katarzyna Szymielewicz

The field of social media is constantly changing. We observe them both as users, but also as citizens. Social media platforms are a tool for influencing consumer and civic decisions. We invited Katarzyna Szymielewicz (Panoptykon), a lawyer specializing in human rights and technology, to discuss how large platforms work, how they affect the functioning of individuals and groups, and what changes we can observe in the near future.

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Dec 5, 2023

Addressing Anti-Western and Anti-NATO Narratives: Building a More Informed Perspective in Times of Uncertainty

Discussing anti-Western narratives is a hot topical issue nowadays, but not a new one - just as propaganda is not an expression of our times, but has a long history behind it. I will not talk about the general course of anti-Western propaganda in Eastern Europe and especially in Romania, but about my personal experience with this field and the sometimes arduous process of countering it with honest and transparent means.

Laura Burtan | 9 min read | Nov 14, 2023

Drowning in a Sea of Lies: Disinformation and Democracy

The 2015-2017 period, that brought us Brexit and Donald Trump with his “alternative facts”, also brought politicians the revelation that lying is detrimental to one’s career only if one admits to lying, when one gets caught.

Ciprian Cucu | 9 min read | Oct 31, 2023

NIOK | 10 min read | Oct 18, 2023

What Does Online Violence Represent and What to Do If You’re a Victim?

Online violence involves using digital technologies to perpetrate acts of violence. This can occur on social media platforms, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and mobile phones. According to UNICEF, it refers to repeated behavior aimed at intimidating, angering, or shaming those it targets.

Meri | 3 min read | Oct 12, 2023

How to Protect Ourselves from Online Scams While Online Shopping?

The number of online purchases by Macedonian citizens is increasing, and concurrently, scams targeting citizens shopping on virtual stores are proliferating. To avoid "emptying" credit cards through scams, there are several recommendations that we, as citizens, should follow when making our online purchases.

Бојан Блажевски | 3 min read | Oct 12, 2023

Countering Disinformation Masterclass Webinar

The purpose of this community-building event was to provide and promote truth, and accuracy in information dissemination to form a collaborative network, equip the community with tools, and knowledge to combat disinformation, and share best practices to enable participants to learn from the subject matter experts to maintain informed citizenry.

Sibongile Ndlovu | 3 min read | Sep 22, 2023

FITS DEMOCRACY 2023 - KEY TAKEAWAYS

MAKAIA had the privilege of participating in the regional event FITS Democracy 2023, where important topics regarding disinformation, polarization, technology, and innovation were discussed, all within the context of Latin America and the Colombian Caribbean.

MAKAIA | 1 min read | Sep 4, 2023

Signed Authorship — Indicator of Credible Media Content We Can Trust

The influx of media texts, videos, photos, as well as social media posts, nowadays is immense, as they constantly appear on our devices through which we communicate on the internet daily. Bombastic headlines and announcements of spectacular discoveries in such content often lead us to forget one of the fundamental rules of creating media content — the signature of the author behind them.

Бојан Блажевски | 4 min read | Aug 30, 2023

NIOK | Aug 29, 2023

AI with Social Impact. Artificial Intelligence’s Role in NGO Empowerment - feat. Aleksandra Przegalińska.

Hive Mind Community Podcast on the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence for NGOs and Civil Society Members (CSOs).

2 min read | Aug 28, 2023

Negativity bias: Why do people read bad news more than good news?

Two headlines of news articles appear to you simultaneously: the first one reads, “Wonderful Weather Today!” whereas the second one announces, "Terrible Storm Is Approaching the Country!". Which headline would you click on?

Meri | 4 min read | Aug 16, 2023

How do you teach (yourself) about conspiracy theories in the aftermath of the pandemic and during wartime?

In Poland, historians have written extensively about conspiracy theories - this fact provides an additional argument to teach about the problems that conspiracy theories cause in the era of revision of history in many European countries. What are the most bizarre conspiracy theories about the war in Ukraine that you have encountered so far?

Beata Zwierzynska | 4 min read | Aug 11, 2023

Civic issues and opinions in today's Hungarian media space

How do different opinions appear in the media? Is there a place, a space for differences of opinion? What opportunities do we have as civilians to publish our own narratives?

Mertek Media Monitor | 5 min read | Jul 12, 2023

Polarization of the Society via Social Media Groups

Polarization is a process that occurs on psychological and emotional grounds. The radicalization of groups leads to the radicalization of language on highly controversial and socially divisive topics. One of the most polarizing places on the Internet are Facebook groups (often run by the party involved in the conflict), where discussants reassert themselves, fuel a spiral of insults, ridicule, and hate speech, or even use language that dehumanizes opponents.

Beata Zwierzynska | 9 min read | Jul 4, 2023

4 ways of visual manipulation

Social media and online spaces are dominated by visual contents. Whether as part of a news story or as viral content, it is now extremely easy and common to manipulate and mislead readers. Although this can be done with relatively little knowledge and easily accessible tools, it is often amateurish or of particularly poor quality that fools users.

Bakonyi Anna | 7 min read | Jun 27, 2023

Szabad Január - "Free January" campaign - case study

In this article you can find out more about the "Free January" campaign of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ)

Társaság a Szabadságjogokért (TASZ) | 6 min read | Jun 16, 2023

Fake News Won’t Last: countering the Damage of LGBTQI+ Disinformation

Disinformation and online manipulation is a widespread issue, targeting a number of minority groups based on gender, sexual expression, race, age, and more. In light of the rise in politically driven attacks on the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, it's critical to counter disinformation in order for them to receive treatment for physical and mental health, sex reassignment procedures, and have safer spaces in schools and communities.

Sibongile Ndlovu | 8 min read | Jun 14, 2023

Open call for microgrant for $USD 1,000 📣

Open call for civil society organizations, independent media or journalist and digital activist of Latin America.

MAKAIA | 2 min read | Jun 2, 2023

A Model to Analyse Online Misinformation

In the effort to counter disinformation and improve media literacy, there are several known models for verifying if news articles accurately represent facts and events. However, nowadays, a significant part of communication is informal, for example in the form of social media posts. In such informal forums, misinformation continues to spread with the help of influencers. A new model is thus needed to analyze this type of media content.

Ciprian Cucu | 8 min read | May 4, 2023

Case study: Detox Information Project (DIP)

We share the investigation and educational web series created by DIP

MAKAIA | 1 min read | Apr 24, 2023

Kosovar society challenges of distinguishing disinformation from accurate information

Research findings show that people cannot tell the difference between false and real news. This problem also affects Kosovo society, which has a high percentage of internet access (93%). One of the signs that disinformation influences the public in Kosovo is the outcome of the Raka case which is explained below.

Dren Gerguri | 5 min read | Mar 28, 2023

“Show Me The Tembisa 10”

How eye witnessing and capturing the spur of the moment prevents disinformation

Hive Mind | 8 min read | Mar 23, 2023

Fake news is never without mass decay

Fake news is used to manipulate and dictate and shape their decision making. Fake news can damage our public discourse. We need to raise awareness and understanding of disinformation and be mindful that our freedom of expression could harm others. The time is now to verify all information.

Hive Mind | 6 min read | Mar 23, 2023

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Empowering Europeans Against Disinformation (EEAD) - ToT Training

As part of the Empowering Europeans Against Disinformation (EEAD) project, we are happy to invite all interested educators residing in Europe to express the interest and take part in a 2-day onsite Training of Trainers (ToT) on Countering Disinformation and Building Positive Narratives in Warsaw, on April 19-21, 2023.

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Feb 27, 2023

ChatGPT and the inclusion of artificial intelligence in the world of (dis)information

Artificial intelligence is changing and will change even more the way we live and work. This simulation of artificial intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans have made it possible for humans to be replaced by machines today in some fields. But what does this mean in the field of information and what could be the misuses that we should beware of?

Dren Gerguri | 4 min read | Feb 24, 2023

Information sources and the public sphere in Hungary

The Mérték Media Analysis Workshop has been conducting a survey on news consumption and information habits since 2013 in Hungary. In this article, we summarise the results and lessons learned from the research, which can be important and useful for CSOs in their orientation and communication planning.

Mertek Media Monitor | 6 min read | Feb 23, 2023

Partner Spotlight Series: Phambano

Phambano Technology Development Centre was founded in 2017.

Our aim is to provide sustainable technology-related solutions and support technology development among civil society organisations (CSO’s) that work on social justice issues across Southern Africa.

Sibongile Ndlovu | 1 min read | Feb 16, 2023

WACSI Equips 15 Digital Activists with Digital Literacy and Resiliency Skills

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa will see improvement in digital literacy, security and safety as 15 digital activists have received training to help protect the civic space from cyber threats and attacks.

Kwame Asante | 2 min read | Feb 13, 2023

What is behind the use of social networks? Webinar takeaways

Cyberpsychologist Gordon Ingram explains the social and psychological consequences of the dynamics promoted by the Internet and social networks.

MAKAIA | 3 min read | Jan 23, 2023

Launch of WACSI Node Nigeria

On Wednesday 16 November 2022, The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) organised the Launch of WACSI Nigeria Node to build civil society resilience in Nigeria for the country’s development and to address the proximity challenge and especially make the Institute’s services readily available to organisations and civic actors that may not have the means to engage effectively online.

Kwame Asante | 7 min read | Dec 21, 2022

Why and how are we vulnerable to disinformation?

The reasons behind the behaviors that accept and promote disinformation.

MAKAIA | 3 min read | Nov 1, 2022

Fact-checking and fake news in the Colombian and Chilean context

Journalists and NGOs around the world have been working for countering disinformation through institutions, organizations, and associations called "fact-checkers" (or, simply: information verifiers), which are dedicated to corroborating and verifying the veracity of information and news disseminated on digital platforms. Fact-checking as we know it today was born with Factchecker.org, a website launched in December 2003 by Brooks Jackson, a former Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, and CNN reporter.

MAKAIA | 3 min read | Sep 30, 2022

Not Only “Fakes”: Popular Types of Misinformation

Digital revolution has greatly enhanced public vulnerability to manipulation by information. The trend is growing with every year and the term ‘fake news’ doesn’t cover all of its forms anymore. Find out what are the most common information disorders we encounter daily.

Hive Mind | 3 min read | Sep 8, 2022

The 6 Most Popular Traps Our Own Mind Can Lead Us to

When you need to make an unbiased, rational decision about something important, try to be aware of your cognitive biases. They are a normal phenomenon in psychology of all humans, but as they may affect your judgement or decisions, it is worth acknowledging their existence and learning some methods of how to overcome their misleading effects.

Hive Mind | 4 min read | Sep 8, 2022

Social and individual developments in a digitally-driven world

We will navigate the characteristics and experience that the use of the Internet has left us as human beings and understand what we leave on the Internet.

MAKAIA | 4 min read | Sep 1, 2022

Challenges for "likes" or death.

It has become increasingly common to read news on the internet where young people participate in viral challenges that have harmful consequences for their health or even for the rest of their lives and those of their families.

MAKAIA | 10 min read | Aug 1, 2022

War-time Disinformation Landscape in the CEE 30.06 | 5 PM

Join us for a panel discussion about the current war-time disinformation landscape and learn about ways of mitigating its harmful effects.

Maja Durlik | 3 min read | Jun 15, 2022

How to present the news to children without causing them harm? Good examples from Europe.

In the international media market, the children's news programme is a television format with a decades-long history in many countries. This is a complex, mindset-shaping programme aimed at 8-12 year olds. In Europe, the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) “Newsround” and the German Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) “Logo!” are the leading examples.

Mertek Media Monitor | 4 min read | Jun 1, 2022

How to be a responsible digital parent in the age of sharenting?

Baby faces covered in chocolate, baby feet splashing in the water, cheeks soaked in crocodile tears. As we read the list, we might think of a post or story from social media that we sometimes encounter in the online space. But is it safe to share not only your personal information, but also that of a child who is in our care? What does it mean to be a responsible digital parent?

NIOK | 3 min read | Jun 1, 2022

Free Online Course on Media Literacy

Strengthen your abilities to access and critically analyze information in digital media with the free and self-paced online course: "Think twice: media literacy Online"

MAKAIA | 2 min read | Apr 19, 2022

Against hate speech with AI - the European Observatory of Online Hate

Get to know an exciting joint European project that uses technology and research against online hate. From anti-vaxxers using Eriksen’s collapse at EURO 2020 to Russian propaganda on the war in Ukraine, their content is worth taking a look at.

Bécser Vera | 2 min read | Mar 28, 2022

How to protect your digital identity -5+1 tips

With the dramatic increase of our digital footprint (in other words, the footprint of our activities in the online word, e.g. use of social media sites, emailing, blogging, accepting cookies on various websites etc.) data protection is not only an issue for large companies, but it is equally important for civil society organizations and individual users as well. However, while the former can often employ a whole team of security experts, in case of civil society organizations it is an issue that we have to deal with ourselves. Keep in mind that the most precious information today is data and identity, therefore it is especially important to protect them.

NIOK | 2 min read | Mar 25, 2022

Countering desinformation and propaganda during a war: a guide for the Russian-Ukrainian war

Russia's war against Ukraine is not only taking place on the battlefields and in besieged cities, but also in the information space. This was true even before the digital age, but war propaganda has reached a new level thanks to the possibilities of the Internet. Fake news, dubious images, videos, untraceable figures, battlefield results, not to mention conspiracy theories explaining the background to the attack.

Bécser Vera | 2 min read | Mar 24, 2022

Disinformation, Information Warfare and the Role of the Journalist

In today's digital world, information warfare is significantly more pronounced. The war in Ukraine is also taking place on several fronts of the information world, in front of video games, TikTok, and that of fact-checkers. Therefore, the focus of journalists should be on news sources, in controlling them to avoid the possibility of fraud from manipulated information.

Dren Gerguri | 4 min read | Mar 24, 2022

We are deceived because it is good for us - Our cognitive weaknesses and how pseudo-news works

Social media is based on continuous positive feedback from other users on user messages. The operators of these platforms have an obvious interest in ensuring that users spend as much time as possible on their platforms, and to do this they have a wealth of data about what content is likely to be attractive to users. This leads to an increasingly strong conviction of the user's own truth in a community of positive feedback, even if that truth is based on completely nonsensical or deliberately manipulative facts.

Mertek Media Monitor | 3 min read | Mar 24, 2022

Consciously shaping the digital footprint

A user's digital footprint is the set of data that the user leaves behind about him or herself in the digital world. Intentionally or unknowingly, every day we create and leave a lot of data in the digital space that gives us a picture of who we are, what we do, where we are in the digital world and why we do it.

Mertek Media Monitor | 3 min read | Mar 23, 2022

Why reading Facebook’s Community Standards is a Worthwhile investment of your Time

Value, nowadays, comes in lots of different forms. We have traditional ones, such as time, power, security, health, and money. However, there is another, new form of value which is not yet fully understood: digital information. In this article, our aim is to raise awareness about how Facebook affects us and our loved ones on a daily basis, and how not knowing our rights and the help we can receive open us up to potential harm in the cyberspace.

Mertek Media Monitor | 6 min read | Mar 23, 2022

What to Do When the Social Media Pages of an Organisation Have Been Hacked?!

Phishing is a serious threat in our modern world, and there is no knowledge passed down from generation to generation of how to prevent it. This knowledge we have to acquire ourselves so that we can pass it on to the next generation. The number of hacking and phishing attempts has been increasing from year to year, in direct proportion to the fact that more and more activities in our lives are moving to the online space – from work to having fun and to shopping.

NIOK | 2 min read | Mar 23, 2022

Disinformation and 7 common forms of information disorder

Knowledge about disinformation is more important now than ever. Critical thinking is key and it’s worth supporting it with the knowledge on how to recognize different forms of information disorder.

Hive Mind | 4 min read | Mar 2, 2022

Life skills to safely navigate the web

Every day millions of people access the internet and browse through countless content within the reach of a few clicks. Children and teenagers are connecting more and more frequently, finding facilities to access information, knowledge and opportunities, while exposing themselves to different risks such as cyberbullying, sharing private information with strangers, sexual exploitation online, among others.

MAKAIA | 2 min read | Feb 21, 2022

5 technological trends that will impact your social organization

A survey recently conducted by TechSoup has revealed how social organizations around the world are working with data. At the same time, collaboration, communication and technological trends for the social sector explain the panorama where 5 major trends for the sector stand out.

MAKAIA | 4 min read | Feb 18, 2022

5 Media Literacy Events in 2022 you can't miss

Save the dates, mark your calendars and get ready to go! These are the five Media Literacy Events you simply cannot miss in 2022!!!

Hive Mind | 3 min read | Feb 14, 2022

COVID is not an excuse to threaten Internet freedom

This article is a production of Ciudadania Inteligente (Ciudadania AI), a Latin American, inclusive and feminist organization that fights for social justice and for the transformation of democracies.

MAKAIA | 6 min read | Jan 12, 2022

Women, Violence and Disinformation

Social media platforms allow users to interact in a faster and easier manner. On one hand, this phenomenon helps establishing relationships and bonds beyond physical boundaries, leading to the exchange of information and content of all kinds. It is also not a secret that these platforms offer users tools for commercializing goods, products and services.

CIVIX Colombia | 4 min read | Jan 3, 2022

Digital Comprehensive Sexuality Education to address digital risks in adolescence

ESI Digital from JAAKLAC aims to promote Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE, ESI for its Spanish acronym) in relation to digital technologies to minimize online sexual risks among adolescents. The guide covers topics such as sexual and reproductive rights, digital education, internet risks in adolescence and digital safety strategies.

JAAKLAC iniciativa | 6 min read | Dec 21, 2021

Build Your Media Literacy Skills with Hive Mind's Self-paced Courses - Live Online Event - 19.01.2022 @ 5:00 PM (CET)

"If you want to teach people a new way of thinking, don’t bother trying to teach them. Instead, give them a tool, the use of which will lead to new ways of thinking."

- R. Buckminster Fuller

Hive Mind | 3 min read | Dec 13, 2021

Self-paced Courses: Learn at Your Own Pace, on Your Own Schedule!

We live in the Information Age. Our ability to synthesize and use information well is crucial to our fate and future well-being. Our Experts have been designing bespoke courses on topics that are relevant, set in a meaningful context and important. From making sense of the news online, to protecting your own or your organization’s digital safety and privacy.

Hive Mind | 4 min read | Nov 15, 2021

How To Create Eye-Catching Graphics With CANVA

We are happy to share with you a 10-episode video tutorial prepared by TechSoup Europe. We hope it will help you make eye-catching graphics for your content with CANVA: an online design and publishing tool available in basic version for free for everyone, and for nonprofits, also free of charge in the pro version.

Hive Mind | 4 min read | Nov 15, 2021

"The Social Dilemma" Free Resources Website for Educators

"The Social Dilemma" movie has been made available by its makers for educators worldwide in a free, classroom-friendly, 40-minute format that can be screened during a single lesson.

Hive Mind | 2 min read | Nov 9, 2021

Media Propaganda and Disinformation: The Venezuelan Case

Digital media strategies used by the Venezuelan government, especially propaganda, provide an ample example for the way different digital tools may be used for manipulation, public opinion disinformation and favoring a particular agenda.

MAKAIA | 7 min read | Nov 8, 2021

Do Students Learn about Fake News at Hungarian Schools?

In Hungary, when it comes to the analysis of news, fake news, or in general, any sort of medium, the most suitable subject is a media lesson to learn how to approach the topic. This subject, however, is riddled with so many problems in the already convoluted education system, that in 2020, in the first iteration of the latest National Curriculum, the subject almost got entirely removed.

Mertek Media Monitor | 5 min read | Nov 3, 2021

Resource Guide: Offline to Online Education Transformation

Our friends at TechSoup Europe have prepared a comprehensive guide designed for trainers, educators, and organizations engaged in educational initiatives. Get our guide and learn how to convert your training from the offline to online format!

Hive Mind | 1 min read | Oct 19, 2021

What is Fake News?

Here are some guidelines for your greater well-being as a media consumer. Yes, we are all media consumers. You got that correctly. In the following video, you will find a number of useful tips and tricks that will aid your digital transformation from a regular media consumer to a Media Literacy Expert!

Dajana Markovic | 2 min read | Sep 20, 2021

Disinformation and misinformation, a by-product of journalists' negligence to verify information

These days, verifying information that we receive has become a must. By not verifying, then, we are putting ourselves at an outright risk of getting manipulated. So, it is more essential than ever, to put a big question mark at the end of every online message, especially when encountered on social media. It is crucial to keep that question mark until we can fully verify and eliminate doubts about sources' authenticity.

Dren Gerguri | 4 min read | Aug 11, 2021

Motivated reasoning, or where does the belief in bull**** come from?

According to Peter Ditto from the University of California, one of the many reasons why people fall prey to the influence of misinformation lies in so-called motivated reasoning (MR).

Tomáš Kriššák | 12 min read | Aug 11, 2021

5 Reasons Why You Have To Be Media Literate

If you’re still wondering why you need to be media literate (a skill that is in high demand today more than ever!), you’ll find the answers to this question in this short video. We have singled out the five most important reasons that will help you decide to start studying the media and their messages. The process is relatively straightforward, and you will gain all the necessary skills by simply following our channel. Let’s go!

Dajana Markovic | 1 min read | Jul 30, 2021

Media literacy? Play it well!

3 online games that help you develop your media literacy skills

Patryk Zakrzewski | 3 min read | Jul 22, 2021

"Digital Well-being, Traps of Dark Patterns and Online Outrage" podcast by Jakub Górnicki & Kamil Śliwowski

Do you ever look at the screen-time analysis on your smart phone and cannot believe the high number it displays? If not –great, but if you do –then this podcast is for you.

In this episode you will hear Jakub Górnicki talking to Kamil Śliwowski -

a Media Literacy, Open Educational Resources and Online Privacy expert.

Kamil explains how he has gone from becoming a techno-enthusiast to a real techie helping people better understand the negative effects of using technology...

Hive Mind | 1 min read | Jul 14, 2021

“Let’s Talk Digital Resilience!" Hive Mind podcast series - Introduction

Welcome to the Hive Mind podcast series: “Let’s Talk Digital Resilience!”, where we would like to offer you a chance to enjoy 5 meaningful conversations led by top experts in the field of media technology, online security, and digital wellbeing.

Dominika Uzar | 1 min read | Jul 14, 2021

Dren Gerguri | 3 min read | Jul 13, 2021

Checkbot - a critical thinking simulator for everyone

Critical thinking is a buzzword that we hear almost every day. Especially in times of false information and the infodemic that is surrounding us on an everyday basis. And even though we meet with this term regularly, it is still not clear to everyone what it actually means. A brief characteristic of critical thinking is that it is the ability to form one's own opinion based on acquired knowledge, experience, not only from one's knowledge, but also from other people.

Kasia Piotrowska | 4 min read | Jul 5, 2021

Media Literacy? A must-have 21st century skill.

Teenagers from Dream Factory acting studio created 8 raising awareness videos focusing on how to recognize Fake News, Deep News and how to behave when someone spreads misinformation, or simply is being abusive online.

Michal Prawdzik | 2 min read | May 28, 2021

Cheapfakes in the CEE Region - WEBINAR

Major dangers and media manipulation threats in the age of disinformation

Michal Prawdzik | 1 min read | May 24, 2021

Can I tell, Jiřina? - Case Study from Czech Republic

A simple guide through the media jungle for senior citizens.

Hive Mind | 1 min read | May 18, 2021

Turning Defense into Offense

Only by mobilizing at the grassroots can democracies counter disinformation. It’s time to vaccinate citizens against the poison of digital warfare.

Joseph Quinn | 5 min read | May 12, 2021

Social engineering explained – psychology vs digital world

Manipulation, coercion, and preying on emotions – all have been a part of human existence probably since the very beginning. Naturally, some people are doing it better than others, and those at the other side of the equation, tend to fall victim to such schemes, and are left faced with the consequences of their often unassuming nature.

Goce Arsovski | 7 min read | Apr 9, 2021

There should be a Media Literacy Test that is as widespread and universally accepted as taking a driving test

Media literacy continues to be one of the most debatable topics in our world today. Some big changes in the circulation of information in recent years, paired with the continuous impact of the media on our everyday lives, especially the new media, make the treatment of media literacy a necessity even for the most developed societies.

Dren Gerguri | 3 min read | Apr 2, 2021

Keith Brown: Critical thinking demands recognition of one’s own blinkers, prejudices and areas of ignorance

“Balkan history has been shaped by the territorial ambitions and disputes of the last century, and so has become a zero-sum game; it also has quasi-religious aspects, insofar as current debates reveal an implicit concern with purity and pollution underlying accusations around loyalty and betrayal. Grievances and disputes escalate; and (to pursue the game metaphor) there is no mechanism, in this case, by which both sides would agree to invest a referee with the authority to call the game fairly; the stakes are seen as too high,” says prof. Keith Brown

Hive Mind | 11 min read | Mar 25, 2021

Media Literacy Training - IREX's Learn To Discern Achieving Positive Results In Jordan, Serbia and Georgia

Learn to Discern (L2D) builds critical thinking and healthy habits for engaging with information, online and offline.

Mark Semoil | 2 min read | Mar 24, 2021

MEGAPHONE 2021 WEBINARS - Online Resources

Missed any of our events, feeling like watching it again diving straight into the extra resources and materials? We've got it covered.

Michal Prawdzik | 2 min read | Mar 9, 2021

Backups – the easiest way to protect yourself from ransomware attacks

How many times have you faced the embarrassing situation of forever losing your precious data such as photos, videos, etc.? All of this either due to a little carelessness or maybe not even your fault? Are you being careful by always keeping a safe copy of your most valuable data, or are you just relying on your usual antivirus software to protect you against ransomware attacks?

Goce Arsovski | 1 min read | Feb 18, 2021

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) – what are they, and why they are important?

Virtual Private Networks, also known as VPNs, are well known to our public as a very useful "tool" for circumventing the rules of certain streaming platforms regarding the geolocation constraints. Aside from "cheating" the service or platform, and making your favorite series, feature film, or podcast available, what else do we know about them? Can VPNs benefit us in other circumstances, professional or private, and why are they really important?

Goce Arsovski | 6 min read | Feb 8, 2021

How to use everyday situations to teach your kids new literacy skills - lateral reading.

Do you sometimes ask yourself: how to help my teenage kid with homework? That’s perfect! Use this opportunity to show how to read laterally and effectively verify sources of information.

Patryk Zakrzewski | 5 min read | Jan 27, 2021

Phishing messages - the most common digital threat for 2021

Phishing messages, spam, junk, and a host of other names. We have all, at some point, received such messages. From the infamous e-mails from the Nigerian prince to the most sophisticated types of targeted phishing. The bad news is: they are here to stay. What can we do about it?

Goce Arsovski | 6 min read | Jan 18, 2021

Tytarenko Yaroslava | 3 min read | Dec 14, 2020

Disinformation, micro targeting and social media. Free webinars on how to use media responsibly.

In November young people, including youth councillors, members of school authorities, young social leaders, activists and NGO activists will be able to take part in webinars, during which they will organize and deepen their knowledge in the area of "disinformation". The webinars conducted by Anna Skocz will present ways to prevent disinformation and responsible use of media.

1 min read | Nov 10, 2020

Where is the truth and where is the falseness?

Recruitment for free online workshops in media education just started

2 min read | Oct 27, 2020

Finally-A Fact-Checking Tool In All Languages

Google’s Fact Check Explorer Is Fast & Generates Accurate Results In All Languages

Mark Semoil | 1 min read | Aug 7, 2020

Mark Semoil | 3 min read | Jul 31, 2020

Spotlight: Google’s Fact Check Explorer & Markup Tool

The New Fact Check Explorer & A Step-By-Step Guide To Markup Tool

Mark Semoil | 3 min read | Jul 15, 2020

Resources For Reporters & Journalists: First Draft’s Coronavirus Hub

Guides, checklists, FAQs, reading lists and a debunk database

Mark Semoil | 1 min read | Jul 8, 2020