Media Literacy Booster: A Successful First Edition in Training Young Media Literacy Trainers

On January 17 and 18, 2025, the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Bucharest became a meeting point for more than 20 enthusiastic students who participated in the first intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) training within the Media Literacy Booster project. The event, organized with the support of the US State Department and the US Embassy in Romania, was dedicated to combating misinformation, media literacy and developing educational strategies for young people.

Implemented by New Data Academy in partnership with Freedom House Romania, the Media Literacy Booster project addresses critical issues related to media literacy and civic engagement of young people in Romania. In a digital age where the online environment is dominated by unreliable information, young people face significant challenges in differentiating between false and authentic information, which can negatively influence both their perception of current events and their civic engagement.

According to a 2024 Eurostat study, only 15% of Romanians aged 16-29 say they check information found on the internet using other sources. This puts Romania among the five lowest-ranked countries in the European Union when it comes to young people checking information online. What's more, TikTok has become the main source of information for young Romanians, contributing to a significant decrease in the last three years in the number of young people seeking information from other online sources.

The event was a unique opportunity for participants to learn directly from experienced trainers within the team Digital Forensic Team, such as Nicolae Tibrigan, expert in combating disinformation and malign external influences, Diana Moraru, youth worker and pedagogical specialist and Ciprian Cucu, expert in media education and combating disinformation. The trainers used interactive methods and case studies to provide participants with practical tools needed in media literacy, combating conspiracy theories and information manipulation.

Participants explored topics such as identifying and debunking fake news, understanding propaganda and conspiracy theories, and creating effective strategies for teaching media literacy in their communities. Through working sessions, they learned to analyze and counter misinformation phenomena and promote critical thinking through games or Socrates' dialectic.

A highlight of the event was the presence of Mrs. Emily Zeeberg, Information Officer at the US Embassy in Romania, who opened the training on the importance of media literacy for a democratic and resilient society. Ms. Zeeberg shared valuable insights on how young people can become more aware and civically engaged, using media literacy as a tool to combat misinformation and promote informed discussion in their communities.

Mrs. Cristina Guseth, the president of Freedom House Romania, gave an inspiring speech, in which she emphasized the crucial importance of the media as the fourth power in the state in the fight against fake news and manipulation in the political environment.

In her message, Ms. Guseth highlighted the crucial role that independent and quality media play in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that citizens are well informed. She drew attention to the major challenges facing journalists in the current context, marked by the rapid spread of misinformation through social media and pressure from political and economic actors. His speech was a call to action, emphasizing the need to support a free press and to promote media literacy as an effective solution to combat the flood of false information affecting contemporary society.

The Media Literacy Booster training provided a balance between theory and practice, emphasizing the development of essential skills such as critical analysis, collaboration and effective communication. The sessions focused on practical simulations, debates and exchanges of ideas, which created a dynamic learning environment.

Another highlight of the event was the collaboration between the participants, who came from diverse backgrounds and brought varied perspectives on the topics discussed. The energized atmosphere was amplified by the lively discussions and the desire to contribute to creating a generation that is better informed and more resilient in the face of information manipulation.

The organizers underlined the importance of involving young people in promoting media literacy, noting that such initiatives are essential for building a strong democratic society. The event demonstrated that media literacy is not only a necessity but also a collective responsibility, and participants left with valuable knowledge and skills that will enable them to become trainers and leaders in their communities.

Media Literacy Booster Project aims to provide high school students and youth trainers with essential skills to effectively navigate digital information. By creating a partnership with educational institutions, media organizations and NGOs, the project promotes sustainable media and digital literacy, contributing to the fight against misinformation in Romania. The project's first event was just the beginning of an approach that aims to continue with new editions, extending the impact to more young people and communities. The organizers thank all those involved and encourage participants to put into practice what they have learned, contributing to a better informed and more resilient society in the face of the information challenges of the digital age.

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