The program is implemented by the Media Literacy Coalition with the support of the “Lachezar Tsotsorkov” Foundation for the second year in a row and includes training in Varna, Sevlievo, Kardjali, Samokov, Pleven, Sliven.
See the dates of the training session in the 2023 Media Literacy Days calendar
The “Media Literacy Online – Lifelong Learning” program is aimed at the so-called “newcomers” to social networks, adults and young people who already have access to the Internet and use connected devices (smartphone, tablet or computer), but do not yet have the skills to safely and fully use new communication and information devices and channels on the Internet.
This group is particularly vulnerable in the social network environment because its representatives do not have built-in knowledge of risks and abuses in these new channels. At the same time, connectivity enables the civic participation of active people who wish to engage in public debates but are often left out of the focus of national inclusion policies. The elderly, especially during the pandemic, were exposed to severe social isolation, which online communication more or less compensated for. That is why they should feel safe and confident, be prepared to lead a social life both offline and online, be aware of the agenda and participate in debates on the public sphere and democratic processes, take advantage of the ever-widening penetration of electronic services.
The program aims to develop skills to recognize and protect against disinformation, propaganda and conspiracy theories, fake profiles and fraud in the online space and develop safe communication habits. The trainings are three hours long and interactive, with individual and group participation of the trainees, based on discussion and implementation of practical tasks. The program is tailored to the target group, developing basic skills and stimulating critical thinking without making it too difficult for older people.
The program covers the following topics
- How to distinguish reliable from unreliable sources of information;
- How to recognize fake profiles on social networks;
- How to protect yourself from online scams;
- What are the risks associated with our personal data online