Co-Exist Newsroom
WebQuest
Choose a WebQuest
Social Media Responsibility
Contemporary Propaganda
INFORMATION DISORDERS
Addressing Privilege and Diversity in the Media
Social Media Responsibility
Identifying Fake News, Social Media Verification, and Fact-Checking
Social Media Responsibility
Illustration from vector juice on freepik
Nowadays, social media is used everywhere in the world for anything in many domains, we can say that social media is a multifaceted tool. Social media has completely transformed the way we communicate and share information, whether it’s personal or public. It has made it easier than ever to connect with others, exchange ideas, and spread information across the globe in an instant. Today, there are numerous social networks, each serving different purposes. Social media not only enables communication and information sharing but also supports business and marketing, makes education more accessible, promotes social causes, and provides updates during emergencies. Its influence on modern society is vast, shaping many aspects of daily life and global interactions in profound ways.
However, social media can become harmful when misused. It poses significant risks, especially for young people, such as the spread of incorrect or misleading information that can distort their views on sensitive topics like religion, politics, and the economy. This issue falls under the umbrella of MDM (Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-information) activities, which cover three main realities:
- Disinformation: The intentional spreading of false information with the goal of misleading or manipulating an audience.
- Misinformation: The sharing of false or inaccurate information without intending to cause harm.
- Mal-information: Information that is based on truth but exaggerated or used out of context to harm a person, organisation, or country.
Additionally, the term “fake news” refers to false or misleading information that is presented as legitimate news. Fake news can be created deliberately (disinformation) or shared unintentionally (misinformation), further complicating how we navigate information online.
Although these terms all relate to the spread of misleading or harmful information, they differ in intention and the nature of the content being shared. What unites them, however, is their impact on people. Fake news has become a significant societal issue, leading to a loss of trust in institutions, the media, and the public. This contributes to a more polarized and distrustful society, resulting in ill-informed decisions and risky behavior. To reduce these dangers, it is important that we all understand how to use social networks responsibly, which we can do through the sharing of best practices.
To fully understand social media and its dangers, particularly fake news, it’s essential to distinguish between facts and false information. Being vigilant on social media requires developing the habit of questioning the intention, nature, and reliability of the information shared.
In teams of four or five, you’ll be tasked with identifying fake news from images, articles, and posts on a pre-created Facebook account. Each team will choose an article or post to analyse from a list provided by the moderator. You’ll have a few minutes to read the content and discuss whether you believe the information is true or false, recording your analysis on paper. Afterward, you’ll use fact-checking websites and reliable sources to verify the accuracy of the content, determining whether it is fake news or a true fact.
Each team will then present its findings to the other groups, explaining why they concluded the content was true or false and sharing the evidence they found. The other teams will do the same, and during presentations, everyone can ask questions or request clarifications. A moderator will assess each team’s analytical skills, awarding points based on the quality of analysis, use of reliable sources, and clarity of the presentation. By learning to spot fake news, participants will become more informed and responsible consumers of information.
As a follow-up, your team will create a charter of good practices in the form of a poster, outlining steps to evaluate the reliability of information found on social media platforms. This charter will aim to help reduce the impact of fake news and promote a more reliable and transparent online environment where information is shared responsibly and critically. It can be used in schools, organisations, and online communities to encourage responsible social media use.
STEP ONE : ANALYSIS Before diving into the analysis, your team will get to choose the type of media content you want to examine. You can pick from various options like a Facebook post, a celebrity tweet, a press article, or a WhatsApp message, covering different topics such as politics, health, or celebrity news. This variety will allow you to explore different types of media and practice identifying fake news across multiple platforms. Here are some news items that you can choose from to analyse :
Once you have made your choice, you can begin by critically evaluating the information, source, and author. When dealing with questionable information, it’s essential to ask a set of critical questions to assess the credibility and accuracy of the content, helping to combat the spread of fake news. To assist your team in this process, you will be provided with a series of guiding questions and helpful links to explore during your analysis. These will serve as a framework to deepen your understanding and evaluate the reliability of the content you’re investigating:
You can browse the following sites to pick up tips and tricks of how to identify fake news in the media: Discuss these questions with your teammates by creating a word cloud that highlights the key clues from your analysis. This will help visually organise the main points to consider when assessing whether the information in your document is a true fact or fake news. By pooling your thoughts in the word cloud, you’ll be able to identify patterns or red flags that suggest misinformation and come to a collective decision on the credibility of the content. Collaborating in this way ensures that everyone contributes to the evaluation and helps sharpen your team’s critical thinking skills. STEP TWO : Fact-checking Once your team has completed the initial analysis of the document, it’s important to verify the facts and ensure that the information you plan to share is accurate. To do this, using a fact-checking website is crucial. Fact-checking sites are key tools in the fight against the spread of misinformation, as they provide independent and thorough verification of facts. By using these platforms, you can help spot fake news and confirm the accuracy of information on topics like religion, health, and politics. Taking the time to fact-check not only ensures that you’re promoting the truth, but also helps maintain trust, reinforces the credibility of the media, educates the public, and contributes to a healthier, more informed information environment. To confirm whether your team’s findings from step one are correct, be sure to take your time exploring the fact-checking websites provided in the links below. These resources will help you cross-check the information and validate your conclusions.
If you can’t use fact-checking tools because the information has not already been verified, your team can become your own fact-checker !! It can be easy to verify information yourself by finding other independent sources of recognised media that confirm the information, or to check that the information is current. So take on the role of fact-checker and check your chosen document by following the tutorials below : STEP THREE : The presentation to others participants Each team will present their findings, explaining the strategies they used to determine whether the news was fake or real. This step encourages discussion with other participants about the different methods used for analysing the information. To keep things engaging, teams can ask each other questions to compare their approaches. This exchange of ideas will help everyone refine their strategies for assessing online information and develop a more thorough method to combat fake news. The presentations will take the form of a roundtable discussion, ensuring an open and participative environment. This format allows all team members to have the opportunity to speak, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation. By sharing and comparing strategies, everyone will leave with a stronger ability to critically evaluate information found online. STEP FOUR : The result After each team has presented their results and explained how they reached their conclusions about the document they selected, the activity moderator will evaluate each team’s work. Points will be awarded based on the quality of the analysis, the use of reliable sources, and the clarity of the presentation. Additional points may be given for accurately identifying the type of information, such as misinformation, disinformation, or fake news. The team with the highest score at the end of the game will be declared the winner and may receive a small reward, such as badges or certificates, to recognise their achievement and efforts. This competitive element adds a fun and motivating factor to the activity, encouraging participation and learning. Example of evaluation grid:
STEP FIVE : Charter of good gestures Using the insights gathered during the activity, your team will now create a “Charter of Good Conduct” for navigating social networks when encountering suspicious information that could be harmful or manipulative. The goal is to design a clear and practical path to follow when faced with potentially fake news. This path will outline the steps to take and key points to apply whenever you come across misleading information online. Once everyone on the team has contributed ideas for forming the charter, you’ll begin drafting the rules of good conduct. With the content prepared, it’s time to unleash your creativity and design an attractive poster that highlights the key guidelines of your charter. To help spark your creativity, here are some examples of inspiring designs and layouts to consider when creating your poster. Make it visually appealing and easy to follow so it can effectively promote responsible online behaviour: For this exercise, the key is to keep your charter concise, clear, and practical. Focus on making it structured and easy to follow, with concrete steps that can be applied in real-life situations. The layout should be organised and airy, with optional images to help illustrate your rules. To make the creation process easier and more visually engaging, you can use online design tools like Canva. This software will help you tap into your creativity and make your Charter more appealing, which will increase its impact and visibility when shared with others. The end goal is to produce a charter that is not only practical but also visually striking, so it resonates with a wider audience. You can take inspiration from templates that have already been created, or you can create your own! . | |||||||||
Knowledge | Skills | Attitude |
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In this WebQuest, self-evaluation will involve comparing the initial analysis reflected in the word cloud with the final Charter that your group created. This comparison highlights the evolution of your understanding, showing how much you’ve grown throughout the process. At the beginning, your approach to fake news may have been less informed, but by the end, through discussion, collaboration, and deeper analysis, your knowledge and behaviour toward identifying and handling fake news have significantly developed. This self-guided learning journey, enhanced by teamwork, reveals how much you’ve learned and how your perspectives have shifted during the activity.
As a self-reflection exercise, answer the following questions:
- Did you enjoy the process of this WebQuest?
- Before this activity, how much did you know about “fake news”?
- Did you find that you learned more about fake news and social media responsibility through this WebQuest?
- Do you understand the importance of being responsible online ?
Congratulations! The topic of fake news no longer holds any mysteries for you. With your newly created “Charter of Good Conduct,” you now have the tools to assess articles, tweets, and posts online, recognising whether they are fake news or true facts. And in case of doubt, you know how to verify the information.
By applying these good practices, you’ll contribute to building a healthier, more responsible digital environment. By making it a habit to check information before sharing it, you’ll help reduce the spread of fake news and limit the dangers it can cause. You can also promote your charter in schools, associations, and other organisations, helping to educate the public so they can apply these same principles.
The sustainable solution to combating misinformation lies in educating both young and old on the responsible use of mass and social media. Media literacy and information education are essential for learning how to distinguish quality information from fake news. Teaching people to master the codes, languages, and practices of media and digital content is key to an active and effective fight against misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, especially on sensitive topics like religion and faith. This activity serves as a step towards that goal.
Contemporary Propaganda
Contemporary Propaganda
Facing Propaganda with Critical Thinking
Source: Pexels
Propaganda is a way to spread ideas or opinions to try and get people to think or act a certain way. It’s often used to push a single point of view while making it hard for people to see other sides or think critically. Propaganda can use things like ads to influence how we make choices, what we believe, and even how we behave.
Today, with social media, online platforms, and 24/7 news, propaganda is more subtle and shows up in almost every part of our lives. In this WebQuest, you’ll explore how modern propaganda works, learn about the techniques it uses, and understand its impact on society.
Your assignment is to research, analyse and create a presentation on the influence of contemporary propaganda in today’s world. At the end of your assignment you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What is contemporary propaganda?
- How does it differ from historical propaganda?
- What techniques are commonly used today?
- Who are the main creators and distributors of propaganda?
- What are the effects of propaganda on society?
- How can we recognise and resist propaganda?
At the end of this WebQuest, you’ll create a multimedia presentation using a variety of media (slideshow, video, infographic, etc.) to illustrate your findings.
To carry out this investigation, form a group of 3-4 people to share tasks and discuss your research.
When dealing with propaganda, it’s important to think critically. These days, we can quickly find answers online, but it’s still key to ask questions that don’t always have one right answer. It’s about thinking for yourself, forming your own opinions, and staying aware of what’s true. Working and sharing ideas with others also helps build stronger critical thinking skills.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Propaganda
- Look up the definition of propaganda and its historical background. Make sure to use multiple sources in your research. You could also compare propaganda from different countries and time periods. It’s important to understand the difference between propaganda, persuasion, and disinformation. Additionally, explore concepts like group influence, fear tactics, information omissions, flattering statements, appeals to the masses, and testimonials.
- Watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34LGPIXvU5M&t=6s&ab_channel=AlJazeeraEnglish
(English subtitles available)
- Read the following articles: https://www.cairn.info/revue-vingtieme-siecle-revue-d-histoire-2003-4-page-3.htm (in French) and
https://www.historians.org/resource/the-story-of-propaganda/
Your next step is to write a short paragraph summarising the main differences between historical and contemporary propaganda, illustrate this text with archive images and assemble the whole into a CANVA design in the form of a flyer. Please use this link to create your flyer: www.canva.com
If you need any support to create your flyer, feel free to consults these guidelines:
https://www.canva.com/learn/the-ultimate-guide-to-flyer-design/
https://www.northwestern.edu/brand/applying-the-brand/signage-environmental-branding/flyers.html
Also, keep in mind that the illustrations you want to insert in your flyer must be copyright free so use online databases such as:
https://www.flickr.com/
Step 2: Analyse Modern Propaganda Techniques
Next you should look into how social networking algorithms, targeted advertising and “filter bubbles” are used in modern propaganda. Make sure to look out for recent examples in the media, such as political campaigns and marketing strategies. These articles may support you in your research about social media and modern propaganda:
- https://www.mironline.ca/platforms-of-propaganda-how-social-media-sites-facilitate-and-spread-disinformation/
- https://www.thenewshouse.com/infodemic/disinformation/social-media-amplifies-propaganda/
- https://issues.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/OConnor-Weatherall-The-Social-Media-Propaganda-Problem-Fall-2019.pdf
- Read the following article to discover more about how propaganda can influence public opinion, such as in politcs: https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/political-propaganda/43850
This page gathers many examples of propaganda posts on social medias: https://bakersfieldcollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=729002&p=7907565
Here, you will find 2 cases studies of propaganda posts : https://libguides.lib.cwu.edu/c.php?g=625394&p=4391900
Now your task is to create a list of at least 5 modern propaganda techniques with concrete examples of striking campaigns that highlight these new propaganda techniques. Feel free to get creative!
Step 3: Identify the Sources of Propaganda
Who do you think are some of the most famous creators and disseminators of propaganda today? What are their motivations? What’s in it for them? Consider governments, corporations and media organisations to guide your research.
- Read the following article to see how social media can often manipulate public opinion: https://news.cnrs.fr/articles/how-social-networks-manipulate-public-opinion
- Watch this video and explore how computational propaganda and fake news spreads online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lce9s8d5Wvk
Based on your research, make a PowerPoint Presentation on the role of two key players of your choice in the dissemination of contemporary propaganda.
Keep the tips listed in this article in mind when writing your presentation:
https://visme.co/blog/powerpoint-presentation/
Step 4: Evaluate the Impact of Propaganda
Next your task is to research how propaganda influences public opinion, voting behaviour, consumer choices and social movements. There are many articles on the psychological impact of propaganda at individual, group and societal levels. For instance, you can read this article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propaganda
The following video explains how to stop the spread of misinformation online : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIFSofwEoOc
After watching the video, discuss with your peers how propaganda might have influenced your own beliefs or actions.
After your discussion, try to think of a time when a campaign or event made an impression on you. Create a case study of this campaign or event in which propaganda played a crucial role, and discuss its impact and write a presentation of this case study with the testimonies you have gathered.
To support you in this step, you can read the following article which explains how to write a case study: https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/how-to-write-case-study
Step 5: Develop Propaganda Resistance Strategies
Read the following article to better understand how you can deal with propaganda and fake news in the media: https://www.coe.int/en/web/campaign-free-to-speak-safe-to-learn/dealing-with-propaganda-misinformation-and-fake-news
- Explore online games or tools designed to teach media literacy, such as the modules and materials offered by UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/mil4teachers/en/curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the CRAAP test, which is a method for verifying information on the web: https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/craap-test/
As your final step, create a guide on a digital medium of your choice to identify propaganda and avoid manipulation. In this guide, highlight the reflexes to have when doing research on the Internet:
Is the site reliable?
Who is the author?
When was it published?
Your guide should stress the importance of cross-referencing sources and conducting in-depth research. The general idea of this guide is to give advice on how to develop critical thinking.
For this self-assessment, you can answer these questions on your own or in a group:
On understanding the subject:
– Do I understand the key concepts of contemporary propaganda (techniques, objectives, impact)?
– Are any concepts still unclear to me?
On research and analysis:
– Have I been able to find relevant and reliable sources for the webquest tasks?
– How well did I analyse the documents, identifying propaganda strategies?
On critical thinking:
– Was I able to distinguish propaganda from simple communication or information campaigns?
– Was I able to take a critical look at the examples studied?
On participation and commitment within the group:
– Was I active and committed throughout the webquest?
– Did I collaborate effectively with my peers in discussions and group work?
On the synthesis and production of deliverables:
– How well did I synthesise my research to produce a clear, structured reflection?
– Have I been able to formulate a personal conclusion on the impact of contemporary propaganda?
Understanding contemporary propaganda is essential in a world where information is abundant and constant, but often biassed and inaccurate. By completing this WebQuest, you have acquired the skills you need to critically analyse the messages you receive on a daily basis and become a more informed and resilient citizen.
Remember: the best defence against propaganda is knowledge, critical thinking and a commitment to the truth.
To conclude, watch this short video on the most unusual propaganda techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3kMLyAP33M
INFORMATION DISORDERS
INFORMATION DISORDERS
Taking a step back from the flow of information
These days, the media—everything from newspapers, radio, and TV to social media and online platforms—plays a huge role in our lives. It’s even called the “fourth power” in the political world because of how influential it is. But the media isn’t without its problems. One major issue is media bias. This happens when journalists or news outlets shape stories to match their own viewpoints or interests. Media bias can show up in different ways and impact communities in harmful ways. For example, it can lead to underrepresentation or misrepresentation, where certain groups are shown in a stereotypical or negative way, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. It can also mean that the concerns of these communities get less attention, keeping important issues out of the spotlight and reinforcing inequality. When people notice bias, it also damages trust in the media.
On the flip side, there’s something called media privilege, where certain groups—usually those with more power—are overrepresented, leaving others out of the conversation. This lack of diversity in the media makes it harder for all voices to be heard.
Both media bias and privilege create serious problems for society. Media diversity, on the other hand, is what we should aim for. It’s super important because it shows the real variety of people and experiences in the world, helping to break down stereotypes and build understanding. When everyone is represented fairly, especially marginalized communities, it’s empowering and sends the message that their voices matter. Plus, diverse media influences positive social norms and encourages storytelling that is ethical and fair. This kind of inclusivity makes society more informed, balanced, and inclusive, where everyone feels seen and valued.
The media landscape today is completely different from what it used to be, constantly evolving with new technologies and challenges. To stay relevant, the media has to keep innovating while upholding truth and integrity—something not everyone manages to do.
In small teams, you will get to create an inclusive and diverse YouTube channel focused on world news. Each group will kick things off by coming up with a name and mission for their channel. This mission should highlight a commitment to fairly representing different cultures, genders, religions, and perspectives from around the world.
You will also need to identify your target audience and decide what types of news videos you want to make, ensuring you cover a mix of topics and regions. Then, you’ll create an editorial plan that includes international news, expert interviews, an inclusive ad, and reports on major events. The videos should be informative and educational while keeping things engaging and accessible for viewers.
As a team, you’ll produce a few pilot videos, showcasing global news from a diverse and inclusive angle. You’ll learn the basics of video production—writing scripts, filming, editing, and uploading to YouTube. Throughout the process, you’ll need to think about how to make your content respectful and inclusive, steering clear of stereotypes and bias.
At the end of the activity, each group will present their YouTube channel to the other teams, sharing your mission, target audience, video types, and how you made sure to promote inclusivity and diversity.
This task will help you build skills in content creation, teamwork, and critical thinking, while also raising awareness of the importance of fair representation in the media. It’s all about inspiring young people to use media to promote diversity and inclusion in everything they create or consume in the future.
STEP ONE: Analyse and Sensitisation
To create truly inclusive media that reflects the world’s diversity, it’s important to start by understanding the concepts of diversity, privilege, and bias in the media. To get a clearer picture, it can be helpful to ask yourself a few key questions:
- What types of media do you consume the most (TV, social media, newspapers, etc.)?
- Have there been moments where certain media content has bothered or frustrated you?
These questions will help you think critically about how media can both include and exclude different voices, and guide you as you work to represent a wide range of perspectives in your own media projects.
To better understand what inclusive media looks like, it’s helpful to explore and compare it with media that lacks inclusivity. In small groups of 3-4 people, use the provided media examples to identify which ones are inclusive and which are not. This exercise will help you recognise the differences in how various media outlets represent—or fail to represent—diverse voices. Here are some examples of inclusive media to get you started:
- Podcast Code Switch: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
- Lacoste “le 9ème couloir” advertising campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1jZdpoEFAU&ab_channel=Lacoste
- The TV series Pose created by Ryan Murphy; Brad Falchuk; Steven Canals (trailer available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t4YuPXdLZw&ab_channel=TVPromos)
- The Guardian newspaper, with articles on a variety of topics including women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, race issues, and disability rights, as well as special sections and series dedicated to themes such as migrant and refugee rights, gender equality, and race issues. (example here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/08/eu-ursula-von-der-leyen-diversity-recruitment)
Nevertheless, there are also media that are not considered inclusive and do not address diversity, here are a few examples :
- Dove’s “Real Beauty” advertising campaign was perceived as racist. Explanation of the topic: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2017/opinion/dove-real-beauty-and-the-racist-history
- TV channel Russia today, renowned for its Russian propaganda (https://ukraineworld.org/en/articles/analysis/propaganda-russia)
By analysing these examples, you can pinpoint what is problematic and what can be seen as inclusive and diverse content. After a critical review of the media, each participant in your group can reflect on the following questions:
- Which groups are underrepresented?
- What stereotypes are being reinforced?
- How could this content be improved?
From there, your group can begin brainstorming ideas for the content you’ll use in your video. Using the insights from your analysis, you’ll gather ideas about how to create media that speaks to and represents all communities—minorities, social classes, and different cultures. In your group, brainstorm how to reimagine media in a more inclusive way and compile your ideas and observations in an online whiteboard
STEP TWO : Brainstorming
Now, you can begin brainstorming how you will create your own media. For that, you can use a tool like a Miro to create some ideas to create your own media.
This approach encourages each member of the group to think critically about various aspects of media creation. The goal of the brainstorming session is not just to figure out how you’re going to create your video and what software you’ll use, but also to explore the topics you want to address and the formats that best suit your ideas. This process will guide you in developing an editorial plan, laying the foundation for your final project. Your content should be inclusive, relevant, and engaging, with the potential to be shared on a platform that reaches and attracts a global audience.
STEP THREE : The Editorial Plan
This detailed planning stage enables you to structure your project in a thoughtful and organised way, using online tools and resources to support every aspect of your media creation. This editorial plan can be divided into several stages :
- The choice of the type of media and the format: What way will you structure your video? It can be an interview, a podcast, a descriptive video or also a reporter-style on a hot topic.
- The choice of the represented community : In your group, identify the communities you wish to include and how you will represent them authentically and respectfully. You can consult resources on fair representation and diversity such as :
- Mean of Promotion: For ease of use and efficiency, your video will be uploaded to Youtube. This is one of the best ways to communicate to a wide audience, whether you’re promoting programmes or providing information to a large audience. Moreover, a YouTube video can be downloaded and published on various social networking platforms, which can generate more viewers.
- Choice of content (script or storyboard): For visual or audio projects, you can create storyboards or write scripts to clarify your vision and plan each stage of production. To do so, why not use the following online tools.
- Resource planning : Next you will need to identify the resources needed to carry out your project. You must plan how to obtain and use these resources effectively.
So, once you have thought of everything and organised everything, it’s time to move on to the production of your media. A well-structured editorial plan will improve the effectiveness, consistency and impact of your content. By these first three steps, you are beginning to familiarise yourself with the importance of challenging media bias and recognising privilege, and of course, finally re-imagining the media.
STEP FOUR : Content production
Now that you have thought about your media and know what to do and what not to do with the media, it’s time to get creative. After you, and your group, have chosen your video format and written the script, it’s time to shoot. So ACTION !
Depending on the format you have chosen for your video, you will need to prepare your equipment and the script or scenario you have imagined in the previous step.
For interviews, an application such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or Zoom will allow you to interview people without them being in the same room as you. You can take video screenshots (with the interviewee’s consent, of course). Beforehand, you should make sure to have studied the subject and the person being interviewed so that you can ask relevant and informed questions and then prepare a list of open questions to encourage detailed answers.
For TV news reports, if you want to film yourself or your group members, you can use the video functions on your computer or smartphone. Before any production session, you should make sure to gather accurate, factual information on the subject of the report. To get the best out of this style of format, you have to make sure to follow the detailed script for the newscast you made before, including the news segments, images and reports. To improve your filming technique, you can use a prompter to read the text effectively while looking at the camera axis
For imaginary reports or podcasts, you can use voice recording applications. You should always make sure to choose an interesting topic. A plus in this type of format would be to invite experts or people with relevant experience to share, if it is possible.
Once the content has been filmed, it’s time to move on to editing the videos so that they are produced in the best possible way and attract as many people as possible to watch them. Editing is a crucial stage in content production. After all, it transforms raw footage into a finished, professional product.
STEP FIVE : Content editing
To get started, it’s important to select an online video editing platform that will help you refine and enhance your footage. There are several user-friendly apps and tools available that offer a wide range of features, allowing you to make your videos more engaging, visually appealing, and eye-catching. These tools can help you add effects, transitions, text, and other creative elements to ensure your content stands out and captures the attention of your audience.
To keep things simple, start by importing and organizing your video, audio, and graphic files into specific folders for easy access. Then, arrange your clips on the timeline in the desired order, trimming out unnecessary parts and making sure the sequences flow smoothly. Add transitions between clips for better fluidity, and include special effects like slow motion or speed adjustments if needed. Titles and subtitles can help introduce segments or highlight key points. Using software like Canva to create eye-catching graphics is a great way to visually represent what’s being explained in the video, making it more engaging and clear.
Similarly, you can enhance your video by adding graphics and animations to make the content more visually appealing. It’s important to use royalty-free images to avoid any legal issues. There are several websites that offer such images, like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay, which you can explore for this purpose.
Once you’ve added all the elements, review the final cut to check for any errors or areas that need improvement. After making necessary corrections, discuss the video with your team to ensure everyone is happy with the result and that it aligns with the vision for your project. This thorough process will help ensure you produce a high-quality video ready for broadcasting.
STEP SIX : Content publishing
Content distribution is the final step, where your edited video is ready to be shared with the public. Choosing the right platform is crucial, and in this case, YouTube will be the preferred option to reach the largest audience.
A YouTube account will already be set up by the activity moderator, so you won’t need to create one. Your task will be to upload your video to YouTube, making it available for viewers around the world. To ensure everything is done smoothly, you can follow the provided tutorials for guidance on how to upload and publish your video effectively.
One of the best things with Youtube is that there are billions of people who use this application. Moreover a video can be easily republished on other social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and others, so can have a huge impact on the world.
Once your video is published, the world will witness a fresh take on media, re-imagined by you and your group!
STEP SEVEN : General feedback
Now it’s time for some group feedback! Each team will present their video to the other groups, and everyone will have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions. This feedback session will help you reflect on your work and see how others perceive your ideas.
Knowledge | Skills | Attitude |
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Through this webquest, your self-evaluation will involve critically questioning current media and their treatment of diverse communities, identifying those who are privileged and those who are overlooked. The “Re-imagining the Media” activity has successfully met its objectives by fostering creativity, inclusiveness, and skill development. You’ve not only developed important skills but also produced media content that is diverse and inclusive, reflecting a more equitable representation of all communities.
As a self-reflection method, answer the following questions:
- Did you enjoy the activity presented in this WebQuest?
- Did you know about privilege and diversity in the media before completing this activity?
- If not, did you discover what media bias and privilege in the media is?
- Did you understand the importance of media representation of diverse communities?
- Do you feel that you gained any new skills in production, editing content ?
Congratulations, you are now a journalist of tomorrow! You’re ready to tackle any subject, even sensitive topics like the representation of different religions, cultures, and minorities, without fear.
Thanks to this activity, you are contributing to a healthier, more diverse media landscape. Your video, which can be easily shared, will help raise awareness about diverse communities. By offering a range of content to viewers, you’re also helping to reduce media bias and privilege, making the media more inclusive for all.
Addressing Privilege and Diversity in the Media
Addressing Privilege and Diversity in the Media (Challenging Media Bias, Representation of Other Religions, Cultures, Minorities, and Re-Imagining the Media).
Re-imagining the media
Illustration from freepik
These days, the media—everything from newspapers, radio, and TV to social media and online platforms—plays a huge role in our lives. It’s even called the “fourth power” in the political world because of how influential it is. But the media isn’t without its problems. One major issue is media bias. This happens when journalists or news outlets shape stories to match their own viewpoints or interests. Media bias can show up in different ways and impact communities in harmful ways. For example, it can lead to underrepresentation or misrepresentation, where certain groups are shown in a stereotypical or negative way, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. It can also mean that the concerns of these communities get less attention, keeping important issues out of the spotlight and reinforcing inequality. When people notice bias, it also damages trust in the media.
On the flip side, there’s something called media privilege, where certain groups—usually those with more power—are overrepresented, leaving others out of the conversation. This lack of diversity in the media makes it harder for all voices to be heard.
Both media bias and privilege create serious problems for society. Media diversity, on the other hand, is what we should aim for. It’s super important because it shows the real variety of people and experiences in the world, helping to break down stereotypes and build understanding. When everyone is represented fairly, especially marginalized communities, it’s empowering and sends the message that their voices matter. Plus, diverse media influences positive social norms and encourages storytelling that is ethical and fair. This kind of inclusivity makes society more informed, balanced, and inclusive, where everyone feels seen and valued.
The media landscape today is completely different from what it used to be, constantly evolving with new technologies and challenges. To stay relevant, the media has to keep innovating while upholding truth and integrity—something not everyone manages to do.
In small teams, you will get to create an inclusive and diverse YouTube channel focused on world news. Each group will kick things off by coming up with a name and mission for their channel. This mission should highlight a commitment to fairly representing different cultures, genders, religions, and perspectives from around the world.
You will also need to identify your target audience and decide what types of news videos you want to make, ensuring you cover a mix of topics and regions. Then, you’ll create an editorial plan that includes international news, expert interviews, an inclusive ad, and reports on major events. The videos should be informative and educational while keeping things engaging and accessible for viewers.
As a team, you’ll produce a few pilot videos, showcasing global news from a diverse and inclusive angle. You’ll learn the basics of video production—writing scripts, filming, editing, and uploading to YouTube. Throughout the process, you’ll need to think about how to make your content respectful and inclusive, steering clear of stereotypes and bias.
At the end of the activity, each group will present their YouTube channel to the other teams, sharing your mission, target audience, video types, and how you made sure to promote inclusivity and diversity.
This task will help you build skills in content creation, teamwork, and critical thinking, while also raising awareness of the importance of fair representation in the media. It’s all about inspiring young people to use media to promote diversity and inclusion in everything they create or consume in the future.
STEP ONE: Analyse and Sensitisation
To create truly inclusive media that reflects the world’s diversity, it’s important to start by understanding the concepts of diversity, privilege, and bias in the media. To get a clearer picture, it can be helpful to ask yourself a few key questions:
- What types of media do you consume the most (TV, social media, newspapers, etc.)?
- Have there been moments where certain media content has bothered or frustrated you?
These questions will help you think critically about how media can both include and exclude different voices, and guide you as you work to represent a wide range of perspectives in your own media projects.
To better understand what inclusive media looks like, it’s helpful to explore and compare it with media that lacks inclusivity. In small groups of 3-4 people, use the provided media examples to identify which ones are inclusive and which are not. This exercise will help you recognise the differences in how various media outlets represent—or fail to represent—diverse voices. Here are some examples of inclusive media to get you started:
- Podcast Code Switch: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
- Lacoste “le 9ème couloir” advertising campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1jZdpoEFAU&ab_channel=Lacoste
- The TV series Pose created by Ryan Murphy; Brad Falchuk; Steven Canals (trailer available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t4YuPXdLZw&ab_channel=TVPromos)
- The Guardian newspaper, with articles on a variety of topics including women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, race issues, and disability rights, as well as special sections and series dedicated to themes such as migrant and refugee rights, gender equality, and race issues. (example here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/08/eu-ursula-von-der-leyen-diversity-recruitment)
Nevertheless, there are also media that are not considered inclusive and do not address diversity, here are a few examples :
- Dove’s “Real Beauty” advertising campaign was perceived as racist. Explanation of the topic: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2017/opinion/dove-real-beauty-and-the-racist-history
- TV channel Russia today, renowned for its Russian propaganda (https://ukraineworld.org/en/articles/analysis/propaganda-russia)
By analysing these examples, you can pinpoint what is problematic and what can be seen as inclusive and diverse content. After a critical review of the media, each participant in your group can reflect on the following questions:
- Which groups are underrepresented?
- What stereotypes are being reinforced?
- How could this content be improved?
From there, your group can begin brainstorming ideas for the content you’ll use in your video. Using the insights from your analysis, you’ll gather ideas about how to create media that speaks to and represents all communities—minorities, social classes, and different cultures. In your group, brainstorm how to reimagine media in a more inclusive way and compile your ideas and observations in an online whiteboard
STEP TWO : Brainstorming
Now, you can begin brainstorming how you will create your own media. For that, you can use a tool like a Miro to create some ideas to create your own media.
This approach encourages each member of the group to think critically about various aspects of media creation. The goal of the brainstorming session is not just to figure out how you’re going to create your video and what software you’ll use, but also to explore the topics you want to address and the formats that best suit your ideas. This process will guide you in developing an editorial plan, laying the foundation for your final project. Your content should be inclusive, relevant, and engaging, with the potential to be shared on a platform that reaches and attracts a global audience.
STEP THREE : The Editorial Plan
This detailed planning stage enables you to structure your project in a thoughtful and organised way, using online tools and resources to support every aspect of your media creation. This editorial plan can be divided into several stages :
- The choice of the type of media and the format: What way will you structure your video? It can be an interview, a podcast, a descriptive video or also a reporter-style on a hot topic.
- The choice of the represented community : In your group, identify the communities you wish to include and how you will represent them authentically and respectfully. You can consult resources on fair representation and diversity such as :
- Mean of Promotion: For ease of use and efficiency, your video will be uploaded to Youtube. This is one of the best ways to communicate to a wide audience, whether you’re promoting programmes or providing information to a large audience. Moreover, a YouTube video can be downloaded and published on various social networking platforms, which can generate more viewers.
- Choice of content (script or storyboard): For visual or audio projects, you can create storyboards or write scripts to clarify your vision and plan each stage of production. To do so, why not use the following online tools.
- Resource planning : Next you will need to identify the resources needed to carry out your project. You must plan how to obtain and use these resources effectively.
So, once you have thought of everything and organised everything, it’s time to move on to the production of your media. A well-structured editorial plan will improve the effectiveness, consistency and impact of your content. By these first three steps, you are beginning to familiarise yourself with the importance of challenging media bias and recognising privilege, and of course, finally re-imagining the media.
STEP FOUR : Content production
Now that you have thought about your media and know what to do and what not to do with the media, it’s time to get creative. After you, and your group, have chosen your video format and written the script, it’s time to shoot. So ACTION !
Depending on the format you have chosen for your video, you will need to prepare your equipment and the script or scenario you have imagined in the previous step.
For interviews, an application such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or Zoom will allow you to interview people without them being in the same room as you. You can take video screenshots (with the interviewee’s consent, of course). Beforehand, you should make sure to have studied the subject and the person being interviewed so that you can ask relevant and informed questions and then prepare a list of open questions to encourage detailed answers.
For TV news reports, if you want to film yourself or your group members, you can use the video functions on your computer or smartphone. Before any production session, you should make sure to gather accurate, factual information on the subject of the report. To get the best out of this style of format, you have to make sure to follow the detailed script for the newscast you made before, including the news segments, images and reports. To improve your filming technique, you can use a prompter to read the text effectively while looking at the camera axis
For imaginary reports or podcasts, you can use voice recording applications. You should always make sure to choose an interesting topic. A plus in this type of format would be to invite experts or people with relevant experience to share, if it is possible.
Once the content has been filmed, it’s time to move on to editing the videos so that they are produced in the best possible way and attract as many people as possible to watch them. Editing is a crucial stage in content production. After all, it transforms raw footage into a finished, professional product.
STEP FIVE : Content editing
To get started, it’s important to select an online video editing platform that will help you refine and enhance your footage. There are several user-friendly apps and tools available that offer a wide range of features, allowing you to make your videos more engaging, visually appealing, and eye-catching. These tools can help you add effects, transitions, text, and other creative elements to ensure your content stands out and captures the attention of your audience.
To keep things simple, start by importing and organizing your video, audio, and graphic files into specific folders for easy access. Then, arrange your clips on the timeline in the desired order, trimming out unnecessary parts and making sure the sequences flow smoothly. Add transitions between clips for better fluidity, and include special effects like slow motion or speed adjustments if needed. Titles and subtitles can help introduce segments or highlight key points. Using software like Canva to create eye-catching graphics is a great way to visually represent what’s being explained in the video, making it more engaging and clear.
Similarly, you can enhance your video by adding graphics and animations to make the content more visually appealing. It’s important to use royalty-free images to avoid any legal issues. There are several websites that offer such images, like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay, which you can explore for this purpose.
Once you’ve added all the elements, review the final cut to check for any errors or areas that need improvement. After making necessary corrections, discuss the video with your team to ensure everyone is happy with the result and that it aligns with the vision for your project. This thorough process will help ensure you produce a high-quality video ready for broadcasting.
STEP SIX : Content publishing
Content distribution is the final step, where your edited video is ready to be shared with the public. Choosing the right platform is crucial, and in this case, YouTube will be the preferred option to reach the largest audience.
A YouTube account will already be set up by the activity moderator, so you won’t need to create one. Your task will be to upload your video to YouTube, making it available for viewers around the world. To ensure everything is done smoothly, you can follow the provided tutorials for guidance on how to upload and publish your video effectively.
One of the best things with Youtube is that there are billions of people who use this application. Moreover a video can be easily republished on other social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and others, so can have a huge impact on the world.
Once your video is published, the world will witness a fresh take on media, re-imagined by you and your group!
STEP SEVEN : General feedback
Now it’s time for some group feedback! Each team will present their video to the other groups, and everyone will have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions. This feedback session will help you reflect on your work and see how others perceive your ideas.
Knowledge | Skills | Attitude |
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In this WebQuest, self-evaluation will involve comparing the initial analysis reflected in the word cloud with the final Charter that your group created. This comparison highlights the evolution of your understanding, showing how much you’ve grown throughout the process. At the beginning, your approach to fake news may have been less informed, but by the end, through discussion, collaboration, and deeper analysis, your knowledge and behaviour toward identifying and handling fake news have significantly developed. This self-guided learning journey, enhanced by teamwork, reveals how much you’ve learned and how your perspectives have shifted during the activity.
As a self-reflection exercise, answer the following questions:
- Did you enjoy the process of this WebQuest?
- Before this activity, how much did you know about “fake news”?
- Did you find that you learned more about fake news and social media responsibility through this WebQuest?
- Do you understand the importance of being responsible online ?
Congratulations! The topic of fake news no longer holds any mysteries for you. With your newly created “Charter of Good Conduct,” you now have the tools to assess articles, tweets, and posts online, recognising whether they are fake news or true facts. And in case of doubt, you know how to verify the information.
By applying these good practices, you’ll contribute to building a healthier, more responsible digital environment. By making it a habit to check information before sharing it, you’ll help reduce the spread of fake news and limit the dangers it can cause. You can also promote your charter in schools, associations, and other organisations, helping to educate the public so they can apply these same principles.
The sustainable solution to combating misinformation lies in educating both young and old on the responsible use of mass and social media. Media literacy and information education are essential for learning how to distinguish quality information from fake news. Teaching people to master the codes, languages, and practices of media and digital content is key to an active and effective fight against misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, especially on sensitive topics like religion and faith. This activity serves as a step towards that goal.
Thanks to this activity, you are contributing to a healthier, more diverse media landscape. Your video, which can be easily shared, will help raise awareness about diverse communities. By offering a range of content to viewers, you’re also helping to reduce media bias and privilege, making the media more inclusive for all.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project Number: 2022-2-IE01-KA220-YOU-