Abstract
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, this research explores the intersection of digital media competencies and IT-security practices, focusing on enhancing digital autonomy for vulnerable populations. The objective is to enhance digital security skills and media literacy among adolescents, and individuals with migrant backgrounds by addressing digital inequality through value-sensitive assistance systems, including a website and a browser plug-in. The aforementioned target groups are often left behind due to language, education, employment barriers, and limited technology access, therefore bridging this gap is necessary to ensure equitable access to digital participation in society. The work contributes to the framework of media and digital literacy by integrating personal IT security competencies, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that spans media studies, information security, and social justice. In this context, the empirical study Security and Dangers on the Internet investigates participants’ digital environments through in-depth interviews (n=16, planned n=40). This qualitative-exploratory analysis identifies distinct digital challenges faced by adolescents and individuals with migrant backgrounds. An iterative development process for tailored digital solutions aims to empower these vulnerable groups, promoting digital autonomy and resilience. This contribution presents preliminary results, highlighting informal yet effective media literacy practices, participants demonstrate critical engagement with content, particularly with emotionally charged material on social media, using self-developed validation methods like cross-referencing news sources and checking website security. However, these findings underscore the need for evidence-based assistance systems as an essential step towards reducing digital literacy inequality.
Presenters
Mariana Ochoa MorenoScientific Research Assistant, Social Policy and Social Security Studies, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany Kathrin Keller
Research Assistant, Social Policy and Social Security, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Media Literacy, Digital Autonomy, Cybersecurity, Vulnerable Groups, Disinformation, Social Justice
