The first episode of the new media literacy series “They Said It on the Internet” has been released.

On September 1, a new Russian language radio series I read it online was broadcast on Raadio 4. The first episode focused on media literacy, critical thinking and digital safety. The radio show is part of the Estonian National Library’s MeediaRadar project.

The hosts cover the most pressing challenges of today’s information environment with cybersecurity experts, researchers, lawyers, psychologists and public officials. Each episode features expert advice that helps navigate the web and social media, and gives practical recommendations for protection from digital threats.

The series is hosted by Yevgenia Savina and Lilia Tretyakova.

First episode: Children, the Digital Environment and Artificial Intelligence

A few years ago, the main digital challenges related to schools and children were considered to be gadgets and the internet. Today, artificial intelligence has been added to the equation. Not only does it distract students from their studies by offering entertaining content, but can also complete assignments on a child’s behalf.

In the first episode, the hosts discuss how the digital environment and AI affect children’s attention, memory and motivation. We explore whether so-called clip thinking actually exists, and discuss the line between using technology to support learning and replacing the learning process altogether.

The episode features insights from Jaan Aru, a neuroscientist, and Oleg Shvaikovsky, a board member of the TI-hüpe Foundation and a physics teacher. The guest is psychologist Nikita Grigoriev.

The programme is produced as part of the MeediaRadar project, with the support of the National Library of Estonia and the Estonian Ministry of Culture. The project has been co-financed by the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme that aims to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union.