The ample presence of mass media in the era of visual communication is nowadays, observed more than ever in all areas of human activity. Access, use, expression and creation of media content are the main fields undergoing growing development as far as new technologies are concerned. Within this context, the required element for a complete, objective and independent observation of the media is the development of a critical spirit by the user in order to be able to decode, evaluate and interpret the content available in all different communication platforms – adopting thus, a media literate attitude.
The majority of activities developed within the media literacy field in the Greek territory are initiated mainly by the private sector and are usually sparse, discontinued and sporadic. The focus of these actions lies in the use of and familiarization with new technologies as instrumental tools by children and young people, as well as in the key functions of the most popular mass media (television, cinema, the internet). In addition to this sparse activity, there are also various studies, publications, programs, regulatory provisions and events that address, directly or indirectly, media literacy issues, without however, offering the possibility of a full gathering and record of the information in one complete and objective communication platform.
Media Literacy Database for Children, Young People and the Media is a project developed and managed by the Hellenic Audiovisual Institute (IOM) within the framework of media literacy initiatives, with a view to contemplate for this lack of a complete information centre for issues concerning education on mass media.
Media Literacy Database for Children, Young People and the Media functions as an open digital platform for social and scientific networking, with the aim to develop into an up-to-date, well informed, on-line library, offering multiple data on the organizations and scientists involved in media literacy and focusing on the actions and research conducted in the same field. On a long term perspective, the database aims to create a pan-Hellenic, participatory community for the media literacy field.
The main focus of Media Literacy Database for Children, Young People and the Media is the user. In the context of user empowerment and user generated content, and in accordance with the rules set by the information society, users will have the opportunity, through a simplified interactive procedure, to submit content relating to media literacy activity in Greece and abroad.
The Hellenic Audiovisual Institute extends an open call to all interested parties, research organizations, educational institutions, academics, regulatory authorities or the broad users to take an active part in the development of this database, through submission of content, e.g. new scientific publications, studies, educational methodologies, evaluation models, regulatory and legislative provisions, events, all of which encompass the challenges in the comprehension, use and evaluation of mass media in the new digital era.
For further information please contact: Ms. Irene Andriopoulou, Media Researcher, Head of Media Literacy Dpt. IOM, +30 210 9098699.