Project Summary – Youth Digital Media Literacy Lab 2.0 Digital media is where young people today express themselves, make friends, and connect with the world. It is fast, fun, and creative – but also carries risks: fake news, online hate, and pressures that can harm mental health. Many young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, struggle to navigate these spaces safely and positively. Youth Digital Media Literacy Lab 2.0 responds by offering an intercultural, non-formal learning experience that makes media literacy practical, creative, and exciting. The project turns digital spaces into tools for friendship, self-expression, and positive change. 1. Big Goal The project’s main goal is to empower young people to become creative, critical, and responsible digital citizens who enjoy digital media while using it to strengthen communities, build intercultural connections, and amplify youth voices. 2. Objectives of the Youth Exchange The youth exchange will take place from 19–30 September 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia, with participants from four countries (Germany, Armenia, Croatia, Georgia) . Using creative non-formal methods such as games, challenges, storytelling, and teamwork, the exchange will: - Strengthen critical thinking and resilience against fake news, manipulation, and online hate. - Boost creativity through digital storytelling, podcasting, photography, and video-making. - Promote mental well-being and teamwork through reflective and balanced online/offline activities. - Co-create project outputs (repository and youth campaigns) to spread media literacy beyond the exchange. - Support youth-led initiatives that raise awareness of diversity, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. - Build friendships and intercultural understanding between young people from the four countries. 3. Key Outputs The project will produce two youth-driven outputs: 1. Online Repository “Click, Create, Connect” – a youth-friendly web platform with games, fact-checking tips, creative tools, and examples from the project. 2. Youth-Led Mini Campaigns – follow-up actions in each country (e.g., school workshops, peer sessions, online content) to share media literacy messages with local peers. These outputs will be designed and tested during the exchange, ensuring participants not only learn but also create and inspire others. 4. Participants The project will involve 42 people in total: - 32 young participants (aged 18–27) - 8 group leaders (2 per country) - 2 facilitators Each country (Germany, Armenia, Croatia, Georgia) will send 8 participants and 2 group leaders. Importantly, 6 out of 8 participants per country will come from disadvantaged backgrounds – such as low-income families, unemployed youth, migrants/refugees, or ethnic minorities. This ensures the project directly supports those who most need access to such opportunities. The group will be diverse and inclusive, bringing together young people with different cultural, social, and economic experiences to learn and co-create. 5. Building on the First Project This project builds on the success of the first Youth Digital Media Literacy Lab (2023-1-DE04-KA152-YOU-000113991), which focused on awareness and basic skills. Interest was so high that many motivated applicants could not be included. Youth Digital Media Literacy Lab 2.0 responds to this demand and integrates participant feedback. Unlike the first edition, which emphasized awareness, Youth Digital Media Literacy Lab 2.0 is hands-on, youth-driven, and action-oriented. It focuses on creation, peer-led learning, and concrete outputs – giving participants the tools to become active creators and multipliers of positive digital culture in their communities.