As the digital landscape evolves, media literacy is increasingly recognized as essential for equipping citizens to navigate this complex environment. For senior citizens, this need is particularly acute, as they often face unique barriers such as unfamiliarity with technology, fear of online scams, and difficulties accessing reliable information. The MELISE: Media Literacy for Senior Citizens in Europe project, part of the Erasmus+ initiative, addresses these challenges by promoting media literacy among older adults across Europe. With partners from Greece, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and Spain, the project aims to develop tailored educational resources, ensuring that older adults can participate fully and safely in the digital world.
The Digital Divide and Challenges for Older Adults in Greece
In Greece, as in other European countries, older adults face several challenges related to digital inclusion. According to the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2023, only 51% of the Greek population has basic digital skills. Among older adults, this figure is even lower, reflecting the broader digital divide. As digital technologies become integral to daily life, seniors without these skills risk isolation and marginalization, which can negatively affect their social engagement and mental health.
In addition to these technological challenges, older adults are often targeted by online scams and are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. Many seniors are less familiar with the digital tools required to verify the authenticity of information or protect their online privacy. This lack of digital literacy not only undermines their confidence in using digital platforms but also increases the risk of falling victim to fraud or misinformation.
Greece’s Role in the MELISE Project
Greece’s participation in the MELISE project reflects a growing commitment to addressing these challenges. Greek institutions, led by organizations like the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , are playing a key role in ensuring that senior citizens are equipped with the necessary media literacy skills to thrive in the digital age.
The MELISE project aims to bridge the digital divide by developing inclusive and accessible educational content specifically designed for senior citizens. In Greece, the focus will be on:
- Tailored Educational Materials: The creation of educational content that is easy to understand and accessible to older adults. The material will cover essential topics like how to use digital devices, navigate the internet, and protect against online fraud. The training will emphasize the practical use of tools such as social media, messaging platforms, and online news sources.
- Building Digital Confidence: A key element of Greece’s contribution to the MELISE project is fostering digital confidence among older adults. Many seniors are hesitant to engage with digital tools due to a lack of confidence or fear of making mistakes. By providing hands-on workshops and training, the project aims to build their comfort with technology, enabling them to use digital tools safely and effectively.
- Preventing Misinformation and Online Scams: Greece will place particular emphasis on critical media literacy, helping seniors to identify misinformation and avoid online scams. In the digital age, older adults are often exposed to misleading information that can have serious consequences. Through MELISE, Greece aims to educate seniors on how to assess the reliability of online content and protect themselves from fraud.
- Collaboration with Key Institutions: Greek universities and NGOs are collaborating with public and private sector partners to develop comprehensive media literacy programs. The Peace Journalism Lab at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is already contributing by integrating media literacy with peace journalism, helping participants to critically analyze media content and recognize bias and misinformation. NGOs like 50+ Hellas and the Greek Safer Internet Center are also essential to these efforts, providing hands-on training and educational resources specifically targeted at older adults.
- Inclusive Digital Platforms: Greece’s efforts will be supported by digital platforms such as the Citizen’s Digital Academy, which offers free online courses covering a range of topics from basic digital skills to more advanced media literacy. MELISE will build on these platforms to provide a centralized hub where older adults can access tailored resources and training. This platform will also facilitate ongoing support and updates, ensuring that seniors remain informed about the latest digital tools and safety practices.
Media Literacy Initiatives in Greece
Greece has already made significant strides in promoting media literacy, though gaps remain, particularly in addressing the needs of older adults. The National Digital Academy offers a range of online courses, and the Hellenic Audiovisual Institute and EKOME (National Centre for Audiovisual Media and Communication) have spearheaded various initiatives to integrate media literacy into the education system. However, these programs are not always tailored to senior citizens, which is where the MELISE project comes in.
One of the key challenges in Greece is the inconsistent integration of media literacy into the formal education system. While digital literacy is increasingly included in school curricula, there is still a lack of standardized training for educators, particularly when it comes to teaching media literacy to older adults. Through the MELISE project, Greece aims to address these gaps by developing resources and training methods specifically for older populations.
Moving Forward: Greece’s Contribution to MELISE
Looking ahead, Greece’s role in the MELISE project will focus on strengthening cooperation between universities, NGOs, and public institutions to ensure that older adults have access to high-quality, accessible media literacy training. The Peace Journalism Lab and other key partners will lead efforts to create educational programs that not only teach digital skills but also promote critical thinking and responsible media consumption.
By participating in MELISE, Greece is contributing to a broader European effort to reduce the digital divide and ensure that senior citizens are not left behind in the digital age. The project will not only enhance seniors’ ability to engage with digital media but will also empower them to be active participants in their communities, improving both their digital literacy and their overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the MELISE project represents a significant step forward in addressing the media literacy needs of older adults in Greece. Through targeted programs, tailored educational content, and collaboration across sectors, Greece is well-positioned to lead the way in ensuring that seniors have the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
* by George Karagiorgos