Media Literacy Workshops for Youth: Building a Conscious Identity in the Digital World

Our University’s Sungurlu Vocational School Campus hosted the "Media Literacy Workshops for Youth," funded by the European Union and supported by an extensive network of partners. Held on April 1, 2026, the workshops delved into the opportunities offered by the digital world, as well as its inherent risks and strategies for effective use.

Key highlights from the workshop sessions included:

The Illusion of Technological Expertise and Conscious Consumption The distinction between the technological proficiency of the "D generation" and actual media literacy was highlighted. Students were encouraged to transition from being passive consumers to "conscious curators" and producers capable of analyzing digital content.

Algorithms and Data Security The strategies used by social media platforms to maintain user engagement, the functioning of algorithms, and the commercialization of personal data were discussed. In a system driven by advertising revenue, methods for protecting attention spans and developing awareness against manipulation were explained.

Deformational and the Erosion of "Reality" The session examined how advanced technologies like face swap can distort the perception of reality and the speed at which fake news spreads across digital platforms. Methods for protection against disinformation and the long-term effects of digital privacy were illustrated through the concept of the "digital footprint."

An Identity More Valuable Than a CV: Digital Prestige In the final part of the workshop, the importance of creating a digital identity that produces value and resonates in professional life—rather than merely chasing "likes"—was emphasized. It was noted that a digital identity has become a more influential reference than a traditional curriculum vitae (CV) today.