European Elections 2024
Between 6 and 9 June 2024, millions of Europeans will vote to renew the European Parliament. The European elections are a crucial moment that will determine the future direction of the European Union, as the decisions taken at the European level affect all Europeans. Free and fair elections are at the heart of every democratic system. Everyone has the right and the duty to participate and make their choice independently. However, growing disinformation, misinformation and the spread of AI deep fakes undermine public trust in the legitimacy and efficacy of democratic institutions, influencing [...]
The EU’s Approach to the Evolving Threat of Disinformation
The current availability of mass information has given us great benefits, including increased global connection and broad access to different viewpoints. With information readily accessible at our fingertips, knowledge is widespread and access to information is democratized. However, tools like the internet have also created new and evolving technological vulnerabilities, a process that can potentially damage democratic structures and human rights. The threat of disinformation has taken the spotlight recently, as technological advances in social media platforms and AI are rapidly developing. In the study “The impact of disinformation on democratic processes [...]
Some Reflections about Journalism and Media Literacy
Tapio Varis, professor emeritus As Tapio Varis will discuss further in Florence at the First European Festival of Journalism and Media Literacy, this paper is going to focus on several questions that need to be answered in order to discuss the topic: What do we think of journalism, and how is it connected with the media? We also need to ask what do we understand with media literacy and its future? The Western journalist schools traditionally analyze the journalistic media in three groups: -Mainstream media have opinions, viewpoints, slant, bias, partiality [...]
Parenting in the Digital Age
The rise of digital media has quickly altered the way parents and children communicate, entertain themselves, gather information, and navigate daily life, especially during exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In today’s world, even very young children are regular users of smartphones and tablets, introducing new challenges to parent-child relationships and the parental role. Researches indicate that both young and teenage users encounter challenges in locating, organising, and assessing information, as well as managing their online privacy and ensuring personal safety. Therefore, parents play a crucial role as the primary guides for children's [...]
The Increasing Importance of Digital Well-Being in an Evolving Technological Environment
While digital tools make our lives easier in many aspects by providing conveniences, extensive research consistently highlights the adverse effects of their excessive usage on individuals' physical and psychological well-being. It is argued that digital media users face a growing challenge in managing the overwhelming amount of information and social interactions available to them throughout the day. The need for specific skills has risen to effectively direct digital stimuli towards personal goals, preventing issues like excessive multitasking, fragmented daily schedules, and overconsumption of new media. It is suggested that these adverse effects are [...]
The European Media Freedom Act: A Crucial Step Taken Towards Media Literacy
Independent media play a vital role in creating a public discourse, influencing public opinion, and ensuring accountability of those in positions of authority. It is considered as “a public watchdog” and “a key pillar of democracy. Therefore, the EU places significant emphasis on it and stands as a strong advocate for the existence of free and independent media on an international level. Simultaneously, there are growing concerns within the EU. The Commission has been closely monitoring these developments using tools such as the Rule of Law Report and the Media Pluralism Monitor. The [...]
Gender Representations in Media: The Importance of Media Literacy
In their article titled “Gender and Media Representations: A Review of the Literature on Gender Stereotypes, Objectification and Sexualization”, Santoniccolo and his colleagues argue that media representations may create certain sociocultural pressures, such as restrictive gender roles. Gender-based portrayals in media are still highly common, despite social and legal advancements in the field of civil rights. The importance of media in shaping individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of gender has been extensively studied and well-documented. Numerous research endeavours consistently affirm the significant influence of media use on gender beliefs. Meta-analyses conducted over [...]
Parenting in the Digital Age: Introduction to Digital Parenting
In the digital age, parenting extends beyond the physical realm into the interconnected grand world of technology and the internet. Digital parenting involves guiding and supporting children as they navigate the online world. It's about being aware of what children are exposed to online, teaching them about the responsible use of technology, and helping them understand the benefits and risks of the digital environment. This approach is crucial in an era where digital literacy is as important as learning to read and write. Understanding the importance of digital parenting is essential for all [...]
EAVI’s Pioneering Role in Advancing Media Literacy in the EU
At EAVI, we are pleased to observe that the Communication from the Commission dated February 2023, titled “Guidelines pursuant to Article 33a(3) of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive on the scope of Member States' reports concerning measures for the promotion and development of media literacy skills”, acknowledges the studies conducted by EAVI. These studies are referred to as useful resources to assist the Member States in evaluating media literacy levels. We appreciate the recognition of our efforts in contributing to the advancement of media literacy initiatives. Indeed, media literacy is an important subject [...]
