Young researchers fight against disinformation: a project in St. Pölten
Young researchers fight against disinformation: a project in St. Pölten
In the new project "Young Citizen Scientists Against Disinformation" (YCSAD), young adults are involved together with researchers from the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences and the Danube University Krems to get to the bottom of the phenomenon of disinformation. This project offers young people the opportunity to actively participate in scientific studies and bring their experiences acquired.
With the rapid development of communication technologies, especially social media, the way information is spreading has changed fundamentally. While the rapid distribution of news offers many advantages, it also brings risks with it, since incorrect information can be spread just as quickly. Young people who spend a large part of their lives online are particularly affected.
young adults as co -researchers
In this innovative research project, young people can actively participate in the design of research as so -called Citizen Scientists. Through their everyday experiences and dealing with the media, they become researchers who critically deal with the topic (of) information. "The integration of this generation as a stakeholder and co -researcher is essential," explains Lukas Daniel Klausner, one of the project managers.
"Due to this close exchange and cooperation with the young adults who grew up with social media, we will gain valuable insights that may question the prevailing opinions about generation change and media use," adds Klausner.
The project aims to change a look at the young adults, who are often seen as passive consumers of information. Instead, they are recognized as active participants who are able to independently develop strategies against disinformation.
Development of a disinformation platform
A central element of the initiative is that pupils from three higher schools in Lower Austria collect and analyze data on relevant disinformation. This also includes the discussion about the results and the challenges that occur in daily use of information.
The knowledge from these examinations should be used to determine the requirements for a possible disinformation platform. "It is crucial that such a platform meets the needs of young adults and helps them critical examination of information," emphasizes Bettina Pospisil, co-project manager and scientist at the Donau University Krems.
"The project also shows how science and society can cooperate. The exchange can learn both sides," explains Klausner.
The research project YCSAD is organized over a period of two and a half years and fulfills the strict quality criteria of the Austrian Citizen Science platform "Austria research". In addition, it is financially supported by the Society for Research Promotion of Lower Austria as part of the FTI strategy of Lower Austria in 2027.
For those interested, the project offers more information among the following links: Ycsad project of the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences and YcSad project page of the Donau University Krems .
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