The session recognized the prevalence and persistence of online content inciting hate, polarization and violent extremism. It also recognized that addressing this phenomenon through censorship, control of information and a narrow focus on “counter-narratives” was counterproductive. The panelists argued that investing resources in education, more specifically, in media and information literacy (MIL) education, is more effective because it helps individuals to develop critical thinking skills to resist violent extremist propaganda by setting them on their proper social and political framework. Supported by research and best practices, panelists shared the benefits of MIL programmes and resources. MIL positively affects how people engage with propaganda, encourages them to re-think discriminatory and violent media messages and enables them to add positive, socially inclusive and ethical content online as a way to balance the proliferation of divisive and polarizing messages. In developing media and information literacy knowledge, individuals become responsible digital as well as global citizens. Download PDF
