Developing Video Games to Promote Media Literacy in Youth: Insights from Professionals

The widespread dissemination of contradictory information through various media platforms can increase anxiety and confusion among younger generations. This highlights the need to promote Media Literacy (ML) skills, enabling them to evaluate online information’s validity critically. In this context, video game-based learning can be valuable, fostering active learning and critical thinking. The YO-MEDIA project, involving three universities in Italy, Portugal, and Spain under the leadership of Associação Portuguesa de Imprensa…” (a journalist association in Portugal), aims to develop ML in Young people (12 to 18 years old) during times of crisis through game-based learning strategies and professional training. The project carried out 29 semi-structured interviews in the partner countries with various stakeholders to understand perspectives on media design practices and ML formulation for young people in crises. This study significantly contributes to developing games that promote critical thinking and enhance young people’s ML skills and resilience to disinformation. It also aids in establishing ongoing professional training in ML for educators and media professionals.