Think You’re Media Literate? Think Again.
These days the path of empowerment is through media literacy. If you were born in the 20th or beginning of the 21st century, particularly in an economically developed country, you have likely grown up in a population where literacy rates are today nearly universal. It is easy to forget that for most of human history since the advent of writing, the majority of people around the world were completely illiterate. The ability to read and write, long associated with the exercise of power, was a set of technical skills exclusive to a privileged few, [...]
EAVI’s response to the European Democracy Action Plan
FEEDBACK Brussels, Belgium – 27 August 2020 EAVI’s response to the European Democracy Action Plan – Protecting European democracy from interference and manipulation Celebrating 15 years addressing issues of media literacy and citizenship, the European Association for Viewers Interests is the non-profit organisation that has worked the longest on media literacy and fully informed and engaged citizenship at EU level. EAVI is active in research, policy and practice. EAVI welcomes the efforts of the European Commission intended to contribute to shape a context more apt to protect our democracies. EAVI’s logo quotes ‘media literacy [...]
Update on The EAVI Test: A Factful look at the Digital Age
The role of new media and the internet has been undeniably increasing day by day, especially now more than ever due to the ongoing pandemic. As their importance increases, they also affect the way we see the world through what we read, what we react to and interact with. Media literacy -the ability to access, share, critically evaluate, create and participate in the media- now has become a life skill for everyone so that we can navigate ourselves in this era. At EAVI, we work on media literacy by raising awareness on the topic [...]
Media Literacy for All
Media are many different things to many people, and the ways they are designed and used affects all of our lives in myriad ways. In today’s digitised societies, making sense of the media landscape and learning to navigate it responsibly is essential for modern day citizenship. Indeed, a capacity for digital citizenship is required, one that understands that by receiving a quality media literacy education, new media need not be barriers, but powerful tools, for civic engagement. To ensure that digital citizenship is attainable by all members of society, media literacy programmes must include and [...]
Media Literacy Essential for Tackling COVID-19 Disinformation – Responding to the EC Communication
Press Release EAVI welcomes the recent Communication issued by the European Commission on how to tackle disinformation surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic. Europe along with the rest of the world has not sufficiently braced itself against the current ‘infodemic’, the tidal wave of mis- and disinformation in the wake of COVID-19. Due to the novelty of the virus, it claims, gaps in knowledge amid a flood of information have created an ideal breeding ground for false and misleading narratives to spread. The Communication proposes new tools to fight disinformation, including further cooperation with [...]
Trump versus Twitter
Donald Trump’s twitter account has frequently been the subject of controversy, as he tests the boundaries of free speech by spreading misinformation to his millions of followers and harassing both celebrities and private citizens. Yet, for the first time, Twitter has fact-checked Trump. Twitter has generally taken a lax approach to monitoring political leaders, assuming that discussion would follow and hold them accountable. However, Trump’s misleading and blatantly false claims and conspiracy theories have caused backlash. This sentiment is particularly strong during the spread of Covid-19, where Trump’s misinformation concerns fake cures and treatments. Highlighting [...]
A Covid-19 Vaccine Does Not Yet Exist, but Misinformation Does
A vaccine for Covid-19 does not yet exist, but that has not stopped people from spreading disinformation about it in advance. The anti-vaxxers’ movement has been active for years, and a previous article about it by EAVI can be found here. The article stated that the core of this movement relies on conspiracy, cherry-picking information and experts, impossible expectations, and illogical fallacies. Additionally, once someone’s mind is made up, it is nearly impossible to change. The measles outbreaks in Europe and the United States caused by increasing numbers of unvaccinated children is a worrisome foreshadow [...]
To Trace or Not to Trace – Answering Your Questions on Contact Tracing Applications
Traditional contact tracing is when an infected individual provides information concerning their clinical history and recent contacts. These contacts are then called to monitor their own conditions and/or to self isolate. Contacts include friends, family members, colleagues.
How the Media Misrepresents Migrants
Around the world, people clap and cheer for healthcare workers. Other previously unsung heroes, including garbage collectors, grocery store employees, and delivery workers have received their own line of action figures, and Google has even used its doodle to draw attention to the importance of these workers. However, what is often left out is just how many of these workers are migrants. When it comes to the negative aspects of migration, people overestimate. According to a poll by The Guardian, one quarter of French respondents believe migrants receive twice as much government aid as [...]
Benefits of Covid-19 for Authoritarian Leaders
While the world is trying to deal with Covid-19, the difference between democratic and authoritarian rulers is getting more visible. The democratic countries are often trying their best to overcome the crisis with the least harm on human life and economy while most of the authoritarian leaders are trying to obtain more powers by using Covid-19 as an excuse. And the media is playing one of the leading roles in this case. There are many examples that can be given about how such leaders responded to Covid-19. For instance, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán [...]
