Anti-democratic actors from the far-right or conspiracy-ideological spectrum deliberately spread disinformation, misanthropic ideologies and conspiracy narratives online. Social media platforms, comments sections and forums are used as channels for spreading hate and fear. Through the “NetHeroes 60+” project, Violence Prevention Network, in cooperation with the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Prevention of Radicalisation and the Promotion of Democracy (IZRD), empowers people aged 60 and over to develop their (digital) skills in dealing with conspiracy-based and far-right narratives, as well as in shaping democratic (online) social spaces.
In a four-part training programme, they gain knowledge of current trends in the digital public sphere, sharpen their media literacy in the use, design and critique of online media, learn methods of digital political education and hone their communication skills. A further focus is on the reflective use of artificial intelligence and the active shaping of democratic digital spaces. This knowledge is applied in social media and other digital spaces.
Participants are empowered to confidently and effectively counter conspiracy-based and far-right narratives in their (online) social spaces and to act as multipliers of democratic values. In doing so, they also reach people at risk of radicalisation within their (online) circles. The training is supplemented by exclusive information services via messenger and monthly exchange meetings. This creates a growing network of “NetHeroes 60+” that will continue beyond the end of the project and have a visible impact in the digital space.
