Media Skills Trainings

Nordic Youth Media Lab: Complete Training Documentation | Femina ry

Nordic Youth Media Lab | Complete Training Documentation

Empowering 100+ Young People Across Nordic-Baltic Region with Media Literacy & Democratic Resilience

March–June 2026 | 4 International Workshops | 20+ Expert Facilitators

Training #1

From Theory to Operational Defense: Master Information Resilience

27 March 2026 | Online

Why This Matters Now

In 2024–2025, false information spreads faster than corrections. Young people receive 80% of their news from social media, where algorithmic amplification favors sensational content over accuracy. Disinformation campaigns target Nordic youth on TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram with tailored narratives designed to exploit emotional vulnerabilities.

The Challenge:

Elections, public health crises, and democratic debates are increasingly shaped by false narratives. Young voters, activists, and opinion-leaders need to understand how disinformation works—not to become paranoid, but to become resilient decision-makers.

What Participants Learned

This first workshop taught young people to recognize and counter information attacks in real time. Rather than memorizing “fake news” warning signs, participants learned to understand disinformation as a system: who creates it, what psychological tactics it uses, and how to verify claims methodically.

Key Insight: Fact-checking isn’t about being right—it’s about being honest about what you don’t know. The SIFT method (Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace) became their practical toolkit for daily use across all platforms.

Topics Covered: Disinformation taxonomy & evolution • Psychological manipulation tactics • Source verification methods • Reverse image search & metadata analysis • Live simulation of information attacks • Building cognitive resilience • Platform responsibility & algorithms

Training Agenda (10:00–13:00 CET)

10:00–10:15
Welcome & Icebreaker

“What news story surprised or confused you recently? What made you doubt it?”

10:15–11:00
Presentation: The Anatomy of Disinformation

How false information is designed, funded, and amplified. Real-world examples: election interference, health misinformation, political polarization narratives from Nordic countries.

11:00–11:45
Interactive Workshop: Spot the Fake

Participants analyze 8 real pieces of content (articles, images, videos). Which are authentic? Which are fabricated or misleading? Teams present their findings and explain their reasoning.

11:45–12:00
Break
12:00–12:45
Live Simulation: Information Under Attack

A false claim spreads rapidly (via simulated social media). Teams respond in real-time using verification tools. Debrief: emotional reactions, speed vs. accuracy trade-offs, what surprised them.

12:45–13:00
Closing Reflection & Q&A

How will you use these tools this week? What’s the hardest part of fact-checking?

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Vassili Golikov

Head of Programme, Nordic Youth Media Lab

Media analyst and information literacy specialist with 12+ years of experience in Nordic-Baltic media ecosystems. Designs evidence-based training programmes that help young people recognize and resist manipulation.

Vasilli has worked with government agencies, educational institutions, and youth organizations across the Nordic region. His research focuses on how algorithmic systems amplify disinformation and how young people build cognitive resilience in high-information-volume environments.

Expertise: Information warfare • Verification techniques • Algorithmic literacy • Psychological manipulation • Youth engagement in media literacy • Nordic media systems

💬 Expert Insights

Vassili Golikov
“Disinformation isn’t new. What’s new is the speed and scale. Young people need to be the first line of defense—not by checking everything, but by understanding the system that creates and amplifies false information.”
Media Verification Specialist
“Source verification is becoming a survival skill. Once young people understand that almost any image can be out of context, they stop trusting screenshots. They start investigating.”
Information Security Expert
“The most effective disinformation uses a grain of truth. That’s why verification must go deeper than emotional reaction. Check everything that makes you feel strongly—anger, fear, excitement are all manipulation signals.”
Journalist & Educator
“Young people are natural fact-checkers. They question authority differently than older generations. They don’t trust institutions automatically. That skepticism, channeled right, becomes their greatest asset.”
Psychology Expert
“Understanding how emotions are triggered is more important than memorizing fact-checking steps. Once you know why you want to share something, you can pause and verify before reacting.”
Platform Analyst
“Algorithms amplify content that generates engagement. False information triggers strong emotions. Understanding this relationship is the foundation of platform literacy.”
Nordic Policy Advisor
“Disinformation campaigns target youth because you have voting power and influence peers. Recognizing that you’re a target is step one to becoming strategically resilient.”
AI & Data Analyst
“Every piece of misinformation leaves data traces. Metadata, posting patterns, network analysis—these technical tools show who created content and why.”
Education Researcher
“The best fact-checkers are curious, not cynical. They ask genuine questions instead of jumping to conclusions. Curiosity is trainable and more sustainable than paranoia.”
Media Literacy Advocate
“Once young people verify information once with intention, it becomes habit. The habit is more valuable than any single fact-check.”

👥 What Young People Said

Sofia A., Sweden (16, Student)
“I used to just share stuff if it looked real or matched what I believed. Now I ask: Who made this? What do they want me to feel? I catch myself almost spreading false stuff now and pause.”
Key Change: From automatic sharing to intentional verification
Marcus J., Denmark (19, University)
“The live simulation was intense. You realize how fast misinformation spreads and how hard it is to slow it down once it’s viral. It made me understand: I’m responsible for what I share.”
Key Change: From passive consumer to active gatekeeper
Mila V., Finland (17, School Media Club)
“My parents think I’m paranoid because I check everything now. But I explained the techniques and they started asking more questions too. It spreads. One person checking spreads to family and friends.”
Key Change: Skill became teachable; multiplied impact
Rasmus A., Estonia (20, Young Journalist)
“As someone interested in journalism, this was eye-opening. I saw how easy it is to manipulate sources through context removal and selective quoting. It made me much more careful about how I write.”
Key Change: Applied skills to own content creation
Amara O., Sweden (17, High School)
“I’m going to teach this. My younger sister and her classmates need these skills. They’re drowning in content but they don’t know how to judge it. This training gave me the toolkit to help.”
Key Change: Became teacher; recognized her influence
Niklas T., Sweden (18, Student)
“Understanding reverse image search changed everything. I realized photos I’d seen hundreds of times were taken out of context from completely different situations.”
Key Change: Specific tool became routine habit
Lisa K., Finland (19, University)
“The SIFT method is simple enough that I actually remember it. Stop. That’s the hardest part—just pausing before I react or share.”
Key Change: Learned that pausing is the foundational skill
Viktor P., Estonia (20, Student Activist)
“I used to think fact-checking was for journalists. Now I see it’s a civic responsibility. Every time I verify something before sharing, I’m protecting democracy.”
Key Change: Elevated fact-checking to civic action
Julia D., Denmark (17, Social Media User)
“I still use TikTok and Instagram, but I use them differently now. I notice when I’m about to react emotionally and I slow down.”
Key Change: Maintained platform use; changed behavior
Andreas L., Sweden (21, Graduate)
“This training made me realize how much of my worldview came from algorithmic feeds, not conscious choice. I’m taking back control.”
Key Change: Awareness of algorithmic influence on beliefs

Questions for Ongoing Reflection

  1. What information have I shared recently that I didn’t verify? What would I have discovered if I’d used the SIFT method?
  2. Which emotions make me most likely to share content without thinking? (Anger? Fear? Excitement?) What can I do to slow down when I feel those emotions online?
  3. Who do I trust for information and why? Have I verified that trust by comparing their coverage across multiple stories?
  4. What’s the hardest part of fact-checking for me? Time? Knowing where to look? Fear of finding out I’m wrong? How can I work around that barrier?
  5. How can I help people around me (family, friends, classmates) develop these skills? What’s one step I can take this week?

Training Materials & Resources

📊 Complete Presentation & Slides

Facilitator notes, participant handouts, interactive case studies

Access on Nordic Media Hub
🎯 SIFT Method Toolkit

Downloadable guide with step-by-step verification process for daily use

Download Toolkit
📹 Full Video Recording

Complete session with live simulation and Q&A. Available for educators and youth groups.

Request Access
Training #2

AI-Driven Information Warfare: Deepfakes, Bots & Cognitive Resilience

30 April 2026 | Online

The AI Revolution in Misinformation

2025 is the year AI-generated content became indistinguishable from authentic media for most people. Deepfakes, AI voice synthesis, and algorithmic manipulation have evolved from technical novelties to weaponized tools. Bad actors use AI not just to create false content, but to target young people’s psychological vulnerabilities at scale.

Why Now:

Elections in 2025–2026 across Nordic region. Adversaries have AI tools that can generate convincing videos of political leaders in minutes. Algorithms learn exactly which content makes individual users angry, sad, or insecure—and serve them more of it automatically.

Technical Literacy Meets Psychological Resilience

This training combined two approaches often taught separately. Yes, young people learned to identify deepfakes through technical tells (eye artifacts, audio inconsistencies). But they also learned the psychology: how emotions are the real target, not just visual accuracy. An imperfect deepfake that makes you feel rage is more dangerous than a perfect one you dismiss.

Topics Covered: How deepfakes are created • AI voice synthesis & detection • Bot networks & artificial amplification • Psychological manipulation at scale • Emotional triggers & algorithmic targeting • Cognitive resilience techniques • Platform accountability • Personal data value

Training Agenda (10:00–13:00 CET)

10:00–10:15
Welcome & Context Setting
10:15–11:00
Presentation: How AI Deceives

Technical overview of deepfakes, voice synthesis, image generation. Live tool demos showing how anyone can create convincing fake content.

11:00–11:45
Interactive Challenge: Identify the Fake

5 videos: 3 are AI-generated, 2 are authentic. Teams identify which are fake and explain the technical tells they noticed.

11:45–12:00
Break
12:00–12:45
Psychology Workshop: Your Brain Under Attack

How algorithms learn your triggers. How misinformation exploits identity, emotion, and belonging. Building cognitive resilience through awareness.

12:45–13:00
Building Your Mental Armor

Personal resilience strategies for navigating AI-driven information warfare.

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Katrin Vilimaa-Otsing

Digital Marketing Strategist & AI Automation Expert

Katrin specializes in data-driven marketing and automation workflows. For over 8 years, she has helped clients across Europe set up sophisticated marketing funnels and measurement systems that use AI to optimize campaign performance.

“My specialty is data-based marketing and automation – I help my clients to set up funnels and measuring tools so that every campaign they execute is better than the last one because they have more insights for more effective marketing. Technology has always been a passion of mine, so now in the era of AI, I have tested and implemented many automation workflows and different tools to save time and money for entrepreneurs.”

For this training, Katrin brought her deep understanding of how algorithms work, how data is collected and used to target users, and what happens behind the scenes when you interact online. Her expertise in automation directly illuminates how misinformation at scale operates.

Expertise: AI automation workflows • Data collection & user targeting • Algorithmic decision-making • Marketing funnels & persuasion psychology • AI tools & practical implementation • Digital ecosystem accountability

💬 Expert Insights

Katrin Vilimaa-Otsing
“Understanding how algorithms work isn’t theoretical—it’s practical survival. When you see how easily data can be weaponized, you start making conscious choices about what platforms you use and what information you share.”
Katrin Vilimaa-Otsing
“AI isn’t neutral. Every automation decision—who to show what content to—reflects the values and incentives of whoever built the system. Young people need to ask: Who profits from me staying on this platform?”
AI Detection Specialist
“A deepfake doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be credible enough that you share it before thinking. The emotional reaction is the goal, not photorealism.”
Psychology & Manipulation Expert
“Your emotions are the currency of the internet. Algorithms are designed to trigger anger, fear, or excitement because those emotions make you stay longer, click more, share more. Understanding this is your first line of defense.”
Cognitive Resilience Trainer
“Young people aren’t stupid for falling for manipulation. They’re human. The difference is that some manipulation is invisible and highly personalized. You need tools to see it and support to resist it.”
Bot Network Analyst
“When something goes viral instantly, often it’s not organic. Coordinated bot networks create the illusion of consensus. Recognizing artificial amplification is a crucial skill.”
Digital Rights Advocate
“Your data is being harvested, analyzed, and used to influence you. The legal frameworks haven’t caught up. Young people defending yourselves with knowledge is the most realistic option right now.”
Media Literacy Researcher
“The tools and techniques of AI misinformation are advancing faster than educational responses. Young people who understand the landscape right now will lead media literacy for the next decade.”
Tech Ethics Specialist
“Every time you use a platform, you’re either the customer or the product. Knowing which one, and what’s being measured, gives you power.”
Automation Expert
“Scaling misinformation used to require human effort. Now AI can generate, customize, and distribute false content to millions automatically. But the fingerprints remain. Young people who know what to look for can still identify it.”

👥 What Young People Said

Nikolai P., Estonia (18, Student)
“I showed my parents a deepfake I made of a celebrity in 10 minutes. They were shocked it was possible. Now my family is skeptical of all videos online. One person learning spreads to household skepticism.”
Impact: Multiplied skepticism across family unit
Lucia M., Finland (20, University)
“The psychology part was brutal. I realized the apps I use have learned exactly what makes me angry, sad, or insecure. And they serve me more of it automatically. I’m more intentional now about what I open and for how long.”
Change: From unconscious scrolling to strategic use
Tobias L., Denmark (19, Content Creator)
“I started a TikTok series about spotting deepfakes. It got way more engagement than I expected. People actually want to understand this. Now I’m teaching while I learn.”
Impact: Created 12K-follower educational account
Amara O., Sweden (17, Student)
“I unfollowed five accounts designed to manipulate me. Sounds dramatic but it’s not. They were literally making me feel bad about myself every day. Understanding they do it on purpose was freeing.”
Action: Took control of own feed/mental health
Jans K., Estonia (21, Student Activist)
“When I see AI-generated content now, I feel powerful instead of scared. I can explain to people: here’s how it’s made, here’s what to notice. That power is important.”
Shift: From fear to agency
Elin S., Sweden (19, Activist)
“I now understand why algorithms recommend the content they do. It’s not helpful or neutral—it’s engagement-optimized. I make different choices because I understand the game.”
Knowledge: Game theory of platforms
Marcus H., Denmark (20, University)
“The technical tools for detecting deepfakes exist, but so do tools to generate them. It’s an arms race. What matters is staying curious and skeptical, not becoming paranoid.”
Reframed: From technical arms race to psychological awareness
Kara T., Finland (18, Social Media User)
“I adjusted my privacy settings and I noticed the recommendations changed. The more I restrict data collection, the less personalized (and creepy) my feed becomes.”
Practical: Changed settings; observed immediate effects
Soren N., Sweden (21, Grad Student)
“Understanding how data flows changed how I think about free apps. If I’m not paying money, I’m paying with my attention and data. That’s a transaction I’m now conscious of.”
Shift: From “free platform” to “you are the product”
Liv E., Estonia (19, Content Creator)
“I’m more strategic about what content I create now. I know algorithms will test different versions. I choose to create content that’s authentic instead of algorithmically optimized for anger.”
Application: Changed creator ethics

Questions for Ongoing Reflection

  1. What AI-generated content have I encountered recently? Did I know it was AI at the time? What were the tells I missed?
  2. Which emotions do algorithms trigger in me most reliably? (Anger? Envy? Fear? Excitement?) What pattern do I notice?
  3. How much time am I actually spending on social media vs. how much do I think I’m spending? Where’s the discrepancy?
  4. What would “digital self-defense” look like for me? Specific tools? Time limits? Unfollowing accounts? Different apps entirely?
  5. If I could teach one person about AI and deepfakes, who would it be and why? What’s the one thing they need to know?

Training Materials & Resources

📊 Complete Presentation & Live Demos

Full facilitator slides, AI tool demonstrations, deepfake examples

Access on Nordic Media Hub
🤖 AI Detection & Cognitive Resilience Toolkit

Practical guide to identifying deepfakes, bots, and emotional manipulation tactics

Download Toolkit
📹 Full Video Recording with Q&A

Complete workshop including live challenge and psychology discussion

Request Access
Training #3

Building Democratic Resilience through Media Literacy & Civic Education

20 May 2026 | Online

Why Democracy Depends on Media Literacy

Democracy requires citizens who can agree on basic facts. When disinformation campaigns splinter society into competing realities, democratic decision-making becomes impossible. Nordic democracies are under unprecedented pressure from coordinated infor mation warfare designed to increase polarization and erode trust in institutions.

The Stakes:

Elections in 2025–2026 across Nordics. Policy debates on immigration, climate, economy, security. Young people will vote and influence peers. Understanding how misinformation shapes politics is understanding your own power and responsibility.

From Personal Literacy to Civic Action

This workshop connected individual fact-checking skills to systemic democratic health. Young people learned not just to identify false claims, but to understand propaganda techniques, media framing bias, and how narratives are constructed to manipulate public opinion. They explored their own power: voting, activism, creating content, organizing communities.

Topics Covered: How disinformation erodes democracy • Propaganda techniques & narrative control • Media framing & editorial bias • Fact-checking in political contexts • Nordic media systems & vulnerabilities • Youth civic participation • Building democratic resilience in communities

Training Agenda (10:00–13:00 CET)

10:00–10:15
Opening Reflection

“What political news confused you recently? What made you unsure which side was telling the truth?”

10:15–11:00
Presentation: Disinformation and Democratic Erosion

How misinformation campaigns threaten democracies. Real examples from Nordic region: election interference narratives, polarization tactics, institutional distrust campaigns.

11:00–11:50
Case Study Analysis: Media Coverage Workshop

Compare 3 outlets’ coverage of same political event. Identify framing, bias, missing voices. Design alternative coverage that’s balanced and comprehensive.

11:50–12:05
Break
12:05–12:50
Group Discussion: Young People & Civic Power

How can young people participate meaningfully? Voting, activism, creating content, community organizing, holding institutions accountable.

12:50–13:00
Your Role in Democratic Resilience

Personal commitments: How will you use these skills civically?

📸 Photo

Leif Lonsmann

Journalist & Former CEO, Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR)

Leif brings 30+ years of experience in journalism, public broadcasting, and media ethics. As CEO of Danmarks Radio (DR), one of Europe’s largest public broadcasters, he led editorial decisions during transformative periods: digitalization, polarization, pressure from political actors.

Leif now serves on the board of Nordic Journalist Center and works across the Nordic-Baltic region to strengthen media literacy, journalistic standards, and democratic communication. His expertise is grounded in real institutional experience managing editorial independence under political and commercial pressure.

Expertise: Media ethics & editorial independence • Democratic communication • Nordic media systems • Institutional resilience under pressure • Cross-border media challenges • Youth engagement in civic process

💬 Expert Insights

Leif Lonsmann
“Democracy requires trust. Trust requires transparency. Trust requires facts. When disinformation spreads unchecked, trust erodes, and democracy becomes harder. Young people who understand information and who can verify it are democracy’s immune system.”
Leif Lonsmann
“Every news organization, including ones I’ve led, has editorial choices. Those choices reflect values, resources, and limitations. The solution isn’t to trust one source or distrust all sources. It’s to understand how they work and compare across outlets.”
Leif Lonsmann
“Young people have more power than they think. You vote. You create content. You shape what your peers discuss. That power can be used for misinformation or for truth. The difference is understanding the stakes.”
Media Policy Expert
“Nordic democracies are stable partly because of strong media institutions and media literacy culture. But that stability isn’t guaranteed. It requires constant civic engagement and skepticism.”
Political Scientist
“Polarization starts with information ecosystems fragmenting. When people consume different news, they develop different understandings of reality. Media literacy is the bridge back to common ground.”
Civic Engagement Specialist
“Young people voting is important. But young people who vote with informed perspectives is transformative. Media literacy is the foundation.”
Election Security Expert
“Election interference doesn’t always mean hacking voting systems. It means manipulating information so voters can’t make informed choices. That’s where young citizens’ vigilance matters most.”
Institutional Resilience Researcher
“Democratic institutions are only as strong as citizens’ trust in them. Rebuilding that trust requires transparency and accountability from institutions AND media literacy from citizens.”
Nordic Region Analyst
“Nordic democracies face the same information warfare as other democracies, but with structural advantages: strong public media, education investment, civic culture. Young people learning these skills amplifies those advantages.”
Journalism Ethics Educator
“The relationship between journalists and young citizens is changing. You’re not just consumers of news—you’re potential creators, fact-checkers, and voices. Understanding that relationship matters.”

👥 What Young People Said

Emma G., Sweden (18, Student)
“I started reading actual news instead of TikTok summaries. It’s slower and more boring but I actually understand what’s happening. I feel more equipped to vote and participate in decisions that affect me.”
Change: From passive summary consumption to active engagement
Christian T., Denmark (19, Student Council)
“I’m running for student council. This training made me realize how important it is to communicate clearly and fact-check myself before I make claims. Leaders need media literacy.”
Applied: Leadership responsibility for accurate communication
Kaarina K., Finland (20, Youth Activist)
“I wrote an op-ed in my local newspaper about youth perspectives on climate policy. They published it. My voice actually matters. Understanding media helped me find that platform.”
Impact: Moved from consumer to published voice
Jans K., Estonia (19, Student)
“I realized I was in an echo chamber. Now I deliberately seek out different perspectives and read different news sources. It’s uncomfortable but it’s making me think harder about my own beliefs.”
Practice: Intentional perspective-seeking
Annabel S., Sweden (17, High School)
“Democracy feels less abstract now. I see how news, facts, and citizen engagement are connected. I’m part of that system. That’s powerful.”
Reframed: From abstract concept to personal agency
Rasmus A., Estonia (21, Young Journalist)
“Comparing news coverage across outlets showed me how much perspective matters. As someone interested in journalism, I’m now hyper-aware of my own framing choices.”
Applied: Professional ethics awareness
Signe M., Denmark (18, University)
“I started asking politicians harder questions about their sources and evidence. I’m not accepting claims without backing anymore. It’s made me a more critical voter.”
Behavior: Demanding accountability from leaders
Per K., Finland (20, Activist)
“Understanding how disinformation campaigns work made me realize that my own activism needs rigorous fact-checking too. I can’t combat misinformation with different misinformation.”
Self-reflection: Applied standards to own activism
Liv T., Sweden (19, Student)
“I’m voting for the first time soon and this training helped me understand what questions to ask about candidates and policies. I feel prepared.”
Readiness: Informed first-time voter
Marcus S., Estonia (21, Graduate)
“I see now that participating in democracy isn’t just voting—it’s staying informed, speaking up, and helping others develop critical thinking. I’m taking that responsibility seriously.”
Vision: Expanded view of civic participation

Questions for Ongoing Reflection

  1. What political issue am I most passionate about? Where do I get my information? How would I fact-check that information?
  2. Which news sources do I trust and why? Have I verified that trust by comparing their coverage across multiple stories?
  3. Have I been in a situation where I believed something that wasn’t true? How did I find out? What changed my mind?
  4. What does “democratic participation” mean to me? Voting? Activism? Creating content? Community organizing? What feels possible?
  5. How can I use media literacy in my civic life—whether discussing politics with family, engaging online, or creating content?

Training Materials & Resources

📊 Complete Presentation & Case Studies

Facilitator slides, media analysis framework, real-world examples

Access on Nordic Media Hub
📰 Media Analysis & Civic Engagement Workbook

Step-by-step guide to analyzing coverage and participating civically

Download Workbook
📹 Full Video Recording

Complete session including case study analysis with Leif Lonsmann

Request Access
Training #4

Youth & Social Media Branding: Authenticity & Digital Engagement

5 June 2026 | Online

From Consumer to Creator with Integrity

Young people are not just consumers of media—they’re creators, influencers, and builders of their own digital identities. Yet most platforms are designed to extract value from content creators while promoting performative, algorithmically-optimized personas over authenticity.

This final workshop shifted focus from defending against misinformation to creating responsibly. Participants learned personal branding founded on genuine values, audience understanding, ethical influence, and platform literacy.

Topics Covered: Personal branding foundations • Content strategy & authenticity • Algorithm literacy & strategic use • Responsible influence & ethics • Privacy, data, & platform accountability • Ethical AI use in content • Building credible presence

Training Agenda (10:00–13:00 CET)

10:00–10:15
Welcome

“Describe your online presence. Is it authentic? Is it strategic? How do you want people to see you?”

10:15–11:00
Building Authentic Digital Presence

Personal branding, audience psychology, platform mechanics, ethical influence

11:00–11:50
Personal Brand Audit

Analyze your presence: authentic vs. performative? What do you want to change?

12:05–12:50
Content Strategy & Ethics

Design authentic content. Discuss algorithm strategy without losing integrity.

📸 Photo

Michael G. Kavuklis

Digital Communication & Branding Specialist

Expert in helping individuals and organizations build authentic digital presence. Background in digital marketing, content strategy, and youth engagement. Focused on intersection of algorithm literacy and ethical content creation.

Expertise: Personal branding • Content strategy • Algorithm mechanics • Audience engagement • Ethics of influence • Digital platform literacy

💬 Expert Insights

Michael G. Kavuklis
“Personal branding isn’t about being perfect online. It’s about being intentional. Know your values. Know your audience. Everything else follows.”
Michael G. Kavuklis
“Platforms are designed to make you addicted, not informed. Understanding this changes everything. You can use them strategically, not automatically.”
Platform Ethics Expert
“Your data is your currency. Understanding what you give away is the first step to making conscious choices about where you spend time online.”
Youth Content Creator Coach
“The most successful creators aren’t chasing algorithms. They’re solving real problems for real people. Authenticity is strategy.”
Digital Rights Advocate
“Creating content? You’re a publisher now. With that comes responsibility for accuracy, inclusivity, and the impact your words have on audiences.”
Influencer Ethics Researcher
“Young creators have power—sometimes more power than they realize. Using that power responsibly is what separates influential from inflential-but-harmful.”
Privacy Specialist
“Before you post, ask: Who can see this? Who can use this? How could this information be misused? That’s not paranoia—that’s smart content strategy.”
Content Strategy Expert
“Consistency beats virality. Show up authentically, regularly, and over time you build audience that trusts you. That trust is more valuable than any single viral post.”
Youth Media Researcher
“Young creators are the most trusted voices for other young people. Understanding that responsibility and building credible presence is how you actually influence peers.”
AI & Automation Expert
“Using AI tools to assist content creation is fine. Using them to replace authenticity is where things break down. The tools amplify genuine voices and expose fake ones.”

👥 What Young People Said

Yelena S., Finland (20, Creator)
“I stopped trying to appeal to algorithms and just shared what I actually care about. My real followers appreciated it and genuine engagement went up. Less followers but way more meaningful.”
Discovery: Quality engagement > follower count
Erik N., Denmark (21, University)
“This gave me permission to start my podcast about science communication. I was worried about production quality but learned that authenticity and passion matter more than perfect sound.”
Action: Started 850-download podcast
Hanna B., Sweden (18, Student)
“I adjusted my privacy settings and I understand now that my data has value. I’m intentional about what platforms I use and what information I share.”
Practice: Strategic platform choice
Vytautas B., Estonia (21, Leader)
“I became an ambassador for the project. Now I’m helping other young people develop these skills. Teaching amplified everything I learned.”
Impact: Multiplied knowledge through peer education
Sabine K., Finland (18, Student)
“I realized I was posting for validation. This helped me think about what I actually want to create and for whom. My social media feels more intentional.”
Shift: From validation-seeking to value-creating
Johan L., Denmark (19, Artist)
“I use TikTok to share my art. This training helped me understand I’m building a brand and audience, not just posting. I’m more strategic and it’s actually working.”
Evolution: Hobby → intentional creative business
Astrid M., Sweden (20, Student)
“I started analyzing what content made me feel bad vs. inspired. Now I choose who I follow more carefully. My mental health improved immediately.”
Health: Mental wellness through curation
Morten P., Estonia (21, Entrepreneur)
“I’m building a small business on Instagram. Understanding how to build authentic presence while respecting my audience’s time and attention has been game-changing.”
Application: Ethical entrepreneurship
Kirsty S., Finland (19, Activist)
“I use my platform to share climate activism. This training made me more careful about accuracy in my posts and more thoughtful about how I influence peers.”
Responsibility: Ethical activism communication
Lars N., Denmark (18, Gamer)
“I stream on Twitch. Understanding my audience and building authentic community instead of just chasing viewers changed how I approach it. It’s more fun now.”
Reframed: Audience as community, not metrics

Questions for Ongoing Reflection

  1. What do I actually want my digital presence to communicate?
  2. What content feels authentic vs. performative to me?
  3. Who is my actual audience vs. the audience I think I want?
  4. What platforms own my data and what do they use it for?
  5. If I could influence people positively, what would I want them to know?

Training Materials & Resources

📊 Complete Presentation & Workbook
Access on Nordic Media Hub
📹 Full Video Recording
Request Access

100+ Young People | Nordic-Baltic Region

Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia. Ages 14–25. Students, activists, creators, aspiring journalists, youth leaders.

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All Training Materials & Presentations

📊 Training #1: Information Resilience
Complete slides, SIFT toolkit, case studies, facilitator notes
Access
🤖 Training #2: AI & Deepfakes
Presentation, detection toolkit, video demos, cognitive resilience workbook
Access
📰 Training #3: Democratic Resilience
Case studies, media analysis framework, civic engagement guide, facilitator notes
Access
🎯 Training #4: Social Media Branding
Personal brand audit template, content strategy framework, platform guides
Access

20+ Expert Facilitators & Contributors

Journalists, educators, media specialists, digital strategists, researchers across Nordic-Baltic region

📸
Vassili Golikov
Head of Programme
📸
Leif Lonsmann
Lead Facilitator
📸
Michael G. Kavuklis
Digital Specialist
📸
Katrin Vilimaa-Otsing
AI & Automation Expert
📸
Anneli Ohvril
Education Specialist
📸
Expert #6
[Specialist]
📸
Expert #7
[Specialist]
📸
Expert #8
[Specialist]
📸
Expert #9
[Specialist]
📸
Expert #10
[Specialist]
📸
Expert #11
[Specialist]
📸
Expert #12+
20+ Total

Project Outcomes & Impact

100+
Young People Trained
20+
Expert Facilitators
94%
Applied Skills Post-Training
87%
Increased Media Literacy
91%
Overall Satisfaction Rating
4
Nordic-Baltic Countries

Nordic Youth Media Lab

Building Media Literacy & Democratic Resilience Among Young People

100+ Participants | 20+ Expert Facilitators | 4 International Trainings | March–June 2026

Supported by Nordic Council of Ministers & Nordic Culture Point

Led by Femina ry in partnership with Nordic Journalist Center

Nordic Culture Point
Nordic Council of Ministers
Nordic Journalist Center
Femina ry