The #MediaSmartOnline campaign aims to spotlight media literacy actions, initiatives and resources across Europe, thanks to the cooperation of the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). But as Better Internet for Kids, hearing the voices and opinions of young people is essential for any topic of discussion, including media literacy. So, let's hear it from the youth!
In today's interview, we will hear from Rayan, from Cyprus. We will find out more about her perspective of media literacy, his concerns and wishes looking ahead, and how he feels about the (sometimes) negative comments and online hate one might encounter online, especially from the point of view of a content creator.
BIK | Hello Rayan! It’s such a pleasure to have you with us today! Would you like to tell us a bit about yourself? |
Rayan | I am Rayan, and I am 16 years old. I am in the first year of high school. I practice shooting and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In my free time I'm interested in media literacy, and in campaigns like MediaSmartOnline. |
BIK | That’s lovely! As you know, MediaSmartOnline is a new campaign that wants to spotlights actions, initiatives, resources to increase the media literacy skills of children and young people, as well as empower those who support them daily – parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers and educators. But, we wouldn’t be Better Internet for Kids without wanting to capture that youth perspective! So, here's my first question for you – what does media literacy mean to you? |
Rayan | For me, education through the media means thinking carefully about what I see online. It helps me tell what is true and what is wrong. It teaches me to think before believing or sharing something. Media education also gives young people the power to question stereotypes. It makes us think about what we see. It also helps us create content that shows our own voice. |
BIK | And how would youevaluate your own level of media literacy? And what about your peers (friends, school mates, relatives)? |
Rayan | My media literacy is good. I can assess information critically. I also protect my personal data. However, I think I can always improve. New platforms and trends can be challenging. Compared to my friends, I understand the media better. Many of them believe everything they see online. They don’t question the information. I think we all need to learn more about online safety. We should also learn to recognise misinformation. |
BIK | Do you use any social media? If so, which ones? |
Rayan | Yes, I use social media. I use TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. |
BIK | Where do you normally read your news from? |
Rayan | I usually read my news from a mix of sources. I check social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for updates, but I also follow news websites and apps like BBC and local news. Sometimes, I watch videos on YouTube for a quicker overview of current events. I try to cross-check information from different sources to make sure it's accurate. |
BIK | Given that you’re also a content creator, how do you feel about the content you see on social media? Is there anything that you see online that makes you suspicious, concerned or worried? |
Rayan | As a content creator, I feel that social media can be useful, but there is also a lot of content that worries me. Sometimes, I see fake news or misleading information that someone, especially young people, can easily believe. |
BIK | As a content creator, you must receive quite a look of feedback on your content! Whether it’s reactions or particular comments… How do you feel about that, in general? |
Rayan | As a content creator, I understand how overwhelming it can be to receive feedback, both positive and negative. Positive feedback encourages you to keep creating and improving, while negative comments, although challenging, can provide valuable learning opportunities. |
BIK | Have you ever experienced particularly negative comments or reactions to some of your content? How did that make you feel, and how did you act in that situation? If it’s never happened to you, how do you think you would act in that situation? |
Rayan | Yes, I’ve received negative comments. Sometimes it’s hard, but I try to learn from the criticism. I ignore overly negative ones, and that helps me improve. |
BIK | What do you think is currently missing when it comes to improving the media literacy skills of young people? What should be provided (by governments, schools, etc.)? |
Rayan | Media literacy education should be integrated into schools with a focus on critical thinking and understanding digital media. Teacher training, interactive learning, and collaboration with digital platforms are essential. |
BIK | If you were to give one piece of advice on media literacy to another young person your age, what would it be? |
Rayan | My advice to young people would be that technology is not bad if it is used correctly and wisely. It is important for young people to think critically and not accept things at face value. |
BIK | That was very well said, Rayan. Thanks so much for sharing your insights on media literacy with us today! And let’s all continue being #MediaSmartOnline… |
Find more information about the campaign here, and here on the background.
Access the guide Be MediaSmartOnline, gathering a large number or resources, events, initiatives, trainings and more on the topic of media literacy, and available in a range of European countries.
The #MediaSmartOnline campaign aims to spotlight media literacy actions, initiatives and resources across Europe, thanks to the cooperation of the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). But as Better Internet for Kids, hearing the voices and opinions of young people is essential for any topic of discussion, including media literacy. So, let's hear it from the youth!
In today's interview, we will hear from Rayan, from Cyprus. We will find out more about her perspective of media literacy, his concerns and wishes looking ahead, and how he feels about the (sometimes) negative comments and online hate one might encounter online, especially from the point of view of a content creator.
BIK | Hello Rayan! It’s such a pleasure to have you with us today! Would you like to tell us a bit about yourself? |
Rayan | I am Rayan, and I am 16 years old. I am in the first year of high school. I practice shooting and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In my free time I'm interested in media literacy, and in campaigns like MediaSmartOnline. |
BIK | That’s lovely! As you know, MediaSmartOnline is a new campaign that wants to spotlights actions, initiatives, resources to increase the media literacy skills of children and young people, as well as empower those who support them daily – parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers and educators. But, we wouldn’t be Better Internet for Kids without wanting to capture that youth perspective! So, here's my first question for you – what does media literacy mean to you? |
Rayan | For me, education through the media means thinking carefully about what I see online. It helps me tell what is true and what is wrong. It teaches me to think before believing or sharing something. Media education also gives young people the power to question stereotypes. It makes us think about what we see. It also helps us create content that shows our own voice. |
BIK | And how would youevaluate your own level of media literacy? And what about your peers (friends, school mates, relatives)? |
Rayan | My media literacy is good. I can assess information critically. I also protect my personal data. However, I think I can always improve. New platforms and trends can be challenging. Compared to my friends, I understand the media better. Many of them believe everything they see online. They don’t question the information. I think we all need to learn more about online safety. We should also learn to recognise misinformation. |
BIK | Do you use any social media? If so, which ones? |
Rayan | Yes, I use social media. I use TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. |
BIK | Where do you normally read your news from? |
Rayan | I usually read my news from a mix of sources. I check social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for updates, but I also follow news websites and apps like BBC and local news. Sometimes, I watch videos on YouTube for a quicker overview of current events. I try to cross-check information from different sources to make sure it's accurate. |
BIK | Given that you’re also a content creator, how do you feel about the content you see on social media? Is there anything that you see online that makes you suspicious, concerned or worried? |
Rayan | As a content creator, I feel that social media can be useful, but there is also a lot of content that worries me. Sometimes, I see fake news or misleading information that someone, especially young people, can easily believe. |
BIK | As a content creator, you must receive quite a look of feedback on your content! Whether it’s reactions or particular comments… How do you feel about that, in general? |
Rayan | As a content creator, I understand how overwhelming it can be to receive feedback, both positive and negative. Positive feedback encourages you to keep creating and improving, while negative comments, although challenging, can provide valuable learning opportunities. |
BIK | Have you ever experienced particularly negative comments or reactions to some of your content? How did that make you feel, and how did you act in that situation? If it’s never happened to you, how do you think you would act in that situation? |
Rayan | Yes, I’ve received negative comments. Sometimes it’s hard, but I try to learn from the criticism. I ignore overly negative ones, and that helps me improve. |
BIK | What do you think is currently missing when it comes to improving the media literacy skills of young people? What should be provided (by governments, schools, etc.)? |
Rayan | Media literacy education should be integrated into schools with a focus on critical thinking and understanding digital media. Teacher training, interactive learning, and collaboration with digital platforms are essential. |
BIK | If you were to give one piece of advice on media literacy to another young person your age, what would it be? |
Rayan | My advice to young people would be that technology is not bad if it is used correctly and wisely. It is important for young people to think critically and not accept things at face value. |
BIK | That was very well said, Rayan. Thanks so much for sharing your insights on media literacy with us today! And let’s all continue being #MediaSmartOnline… |
Find more information about the campaign here, and here on the background.
Access the guide Be MediaSmartOnline, gathering a large number or resources, events, initiatives, trainings and more on the topic of media literacy, and available in a range of European countries.
- Related content
- content creator media education media literacy MediaSmartOnline online hate
- < Previous article
- Next article >
- < Previous
- Next >
Related articles
