About PRODIGI
Misinformation and disinformation pose significant contemporary challenges, affecting individuals and societies alike. The detrimental consequences of false information, especially in areas like public health, include risky behaviours, reduced vaccination rates, and increased anxiety and depression. Moreover, misinformation erodes trust in journalism, science, and news, impacting democratic societies. Recognising the limitations of media literacy as a standalone solution, this project explores the multifaceted nature of media literacy, encompassing critical and operational dimensions. In response to rapid technological advancements, media literacy is essential, particularly for at-risk populations facing digital disparities.
PRODIGI investigates media literacy and digital skills within the context of vulnerability, focusing on three demographic groups: unaccompanied minors in Belgian refugee centres, economically disadvantaged youth in Portuguese vocational education, and elderly individuals in Polish small cities and rural areas
Our Objectives
To assess Media Literacy and Digital Skills (ML&DS) using performance tests in three different countries: Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. This assessment involves three distinct target groups. In Belgium, we will focus on unaccompanied minors and their guardians/youth workers. In Portugal, our attention will be on children and young individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged families enrolled in professional education programmes. In this context, we will also involve their teachers/trainers. Finally, in Poland, we will concentrate on elderly populations residing in rural areas who receive assistance from pre-teachers in lifelong learning centres. This intergenerational contact will facilitate the use of digital media and promote media literacy among the elderly. Our aim is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of ML&DS within these diverse groups, taking into account the unique contexts and requirements of each country.
Following this, we will work together with members of the target populations and individuals in caregiving roles to collaboratively improve relevant existing intervention programmes. We will then assess the effectiveness of these enhanced programmes through pre- and post-tests.
Furthermore, we will create a resilience toolkit specifically tailored for the implementation of pre- and post-tests, enabling the measurement of intervention programme outcomes. This toolkit will place a particular focus on information media literacy and non-technical critical skills, including an understanding of AI (Artificial Intelligence) operations.
Lastly, in cooperation with the EDMO regional hubs, the Media & Learning Association, and the Euromedia Research Group, which will facilitate our engagement with mainstream information media, we will actively transform our research findings into recommendations for both practice and policy, aligning them with the policies of individual countries and the European Union. PRODIGI responds to policymakers’ growing interest in leveraging media literacy to combat the adverse impacts of digital communication technologies. PRODIGI aims to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and safeguarding democratic values.
The PRODIGI project has also received national co-funding in Poland from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education under the ‘Co-funded International Projects’ programme – pursuant to the decision of 7 October 2025. This programme aims to support Polish research institutions participating in international projects funded from external sources, in particular from European Union funds. Value of Ministry of Science and Higher Education funding: PLN 151,939. Project number (OSF): 640027. Reg. No.: W31/CREA/2025