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EDU Brussels - Digital Media Practices and Disinformation Trends

Jul 16, 2024

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Lecture Notes: EDU Brussels - Digital Media Practices and Disinformation Trends

Speaker Information

  • Name: Victor R
  • Title: Post Researcher at OU br in Brussels, Belgium
  • Role: Researcher and Co-coordinator of EDMO 2

Welcome and Introduction

  • EDMO Overview: European Digital Media Observatory focusing on disinformation and media trends.
  • EDMO Beux: The hub that concentrates on Belgium and Luxembourg.
  • Lunch Lectures: Online meetings held bi-monthly, covering topics such as disinformation campaigns, fact-checking, media literacy, and policy analysis.
  • Lecture Schedule: Next lectures slated for September, December, and early 2025.
  • Lecture Proposals: Encouraged to propose new lecture topics or speakers.

Today's Lecture

  • Guest: Taana from CSEM (Super Media Education Literacy Council) & Media Anim.
  • Topic: Understanding the Digital Practices and What Young People Are Doing Online - Findings from a Quantitative Survey
  • Survey Project: Generation 2024 – Quantitative survey on digital practices of young people in French-speaking Belgium.

Survey Context

  • Collaborations: Media Anim, CSEM, Flemish initiative Median Haven, European Digital Europe program, IMEC Research Group, University of Ghent.
  • Initial Survey: First completed in 2020.
  • Participants: 3,742 students from 43 schools across Wallonia and Brussels.
  • Methodology: Online questionnaires complemented by individual interviews and group discussions.

Key Findings

Device Usage

Children (Primary School)

  • Most Used Devices: Television, gaming consoles, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Age for First Smartphone: Median age of 11 years.

Teenagers (Secondary School)

  • Most Used Devices: Smartphones and television; also use computers and gaming consoles.
  • Social Media Use: High engagement in Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

Social Media Preferences

  • Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: Most popular platforms.
  • Gender Differences: Boys prefer YouTube and gaming platforms, while girls prefer BeReal and Snapchat.
  • Low Facebook and Twitter Usage: Seen as platforms for older demographics.

Digital Practices and Activities

  • Children: Video games, YouTube, and streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus.
  • Teenagers: Social media, staying informed about current events, online shopping, activism on social media, homework on computers.
  • AI Usage: Popular AI tools are Snapchat My AI and ChatGPT for homework help, exploration, and curiosity.

Survey Themes

  • News and Disinformation: Explored by Martin.
  • Screen Activity and Digital Hobbies: Gaming as a social activity.
  • Rules at Home: Generally accepted by youth as positive.
  • Digital Well-being: New topics such as frustration from social media and time management issues.
  • Online Safety: New focus on cyber security and online violence.

Martin's Focus on Disinformation and Fake News

Information Sources

  • Social Media Sources: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube—same platforms used for social interaction.
  • Preferred Formats: Video formats lead; short trailers and informational clips on TikTok.
  • News vs. Social Media: Information mostly passively consumed from social media feeds versus seeking out hard news.

Analyzing Online Behavior

  • Credibility Concerns: Recognition of social media as a source of fake news, yet still trusted.
  • Fact-Checking Practices: Students claim to check information, though actual practices might be limited.
  • Real Impact of Fake News: Example: Fake 'rape day' news spread on TikTok impacted real behavior.

Key Methodology Observations

  • Declarative Testimonies: Basis of survey; indicative but not conclusive on actual skills.
  • Evolving Trends: Notable increase in AI usage and preference for digital formats.
  • Trust vs. Format Paradox: Students trust traditional media but dislike the format, leading to higher engagement with social media.

Recommendations and Future Directions

  • Media Literacy: Importance of education and dialogue between young people and adults.
  • Regular Updates: Continuous tracking and understanding of evolving digital and media practices.
  • Creative Engagement: Encourage open dialogues and education from an early age.

Q&A Highlights

  • AI and Its Use: Types of interaction with AI tools primarily for homework assistance and curiosity-driven questions.
  • News Definition: Broad interpretation by young people; mixes hard news with updates from friends and influencers.
  • Trust in Media: Paradox of mistrusting formats they engage with most versus trusted but boring traditional media.
  • Comparative Insights (2020 vs. 2024): New themes like digital well-being, early positive reception to rules, and increased AI and cyber security focus post-COVID.

Closing Remarks

  • Future Lectures: Invitations for upcoming sessions and feedback solicitation.
  • Recording and Resources: Mentioned when and where the session recording will be available.

Note: Continuous engagement and adaptation in media literacy and digital media observation to reflect ongoing changes in how youth interact with digital environments.

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