Social media platforms and the algorithms they use to shape the news that people read, as well as people’s behaviour online, all play a role in the rapid spread of disinformation. Research has shown that people tend to be unaware of their own cognitive biases and underestimate the influence of algorithms on their social media behaviour. Improving the media literacy of consumers and reducing their vulnerability to disinformation is a necessary part of the solution. This study proposes an approach based on behavioural science, which triggers people to be aware of their own online behaviour.
The recent technological transformation of the media ecosystem has a strong impact on the way citizen are informed and communicate. New technologies can be used to propagate large-scale and targeted disinformation with unprecedented speed and precision. The exposure of the society to large-scale disinformation represents a major worldwide challenge. In this vein, CONNECT University organises a series of sessions that would allow the participants to have a holistic overview of the digital media ecosystem with a focus on the importance of countering online disinformation.
The Institut Français has teamed up with ARTE Education to put together the European Film Factory, a project that will allow schools across Europe to access a catalogue of 10 European films reflecting European identity in its diversity.
The winners of the European Media Literacy Awards 2019 have been announced during the European Media Literacy Conference event in Brussels. Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director for Media Policy at DG Connect, awarded three project winners in different categories focusing on innovative media literacy project, most educative media literacy project, and the media literacy project with the greatest European potential.
The Commission has received monthly reports from Google, Facebook and Twitter addressing actions taken during January 2019 towards implementation of the commitments on electoral integrity.
