Strengthening Youth Resilience Against Information Manipulation through Erasmus+

Erasmus+ Training Course • Media Literacy • Critical Thinking • Digital Resilience

The Erasmus+ training course “Sentinel: Navigating Information Manipulation & Foreign Interference” brought together youth workers and young professionals from different European countries to explore the growing challenges posed by information manipulation, disinformation, and foreign interference in the digital environment. Through an engaging programme based on non-formal education methods, participants developed practical competences to strengthen media literacy and promote critical thinking among young people.

The training focused on understanding the mechanisms behind information manipulation and its impact on democratic societies. Participants explored the concepts of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation while examining how online algorithms, emotional narratives, and echo chambers contribute to the spread of misleading content. Special attention was given to Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and its influence on public opinion, democratic participation, and social cohesion.

Throughout the programme, participants worked with internationally recognised analytical tools such as the CRAAP Evaluation Framework and the SIFT Protocol, which provide practical approaches for assessing the credibility and reliability of online information. By analysing real-life case studies and documented influence operations, participants strengthened their ability to identify manipulation techniques, verify digital content, and make informed decisions before engaging with or sharing information online.

The course applied a wide range of non-formal learning methodologies, including interactive workshops, simulations, collaborative group work, case study analysis, reflection sessions, and intercultural dialogue. These methods created an inclusive learning environment that encouraged the exchange of experiences and good practices among participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

As a result of the training, participants enhanced their competences in media and information literacy, critical thinking, digital resilience, fact-checking, and responsible online engagement. Furthermore, the programme strengthened intercultural communication, teamwork, digital collaboration, and the capacity to design educational activities that promote democratic values and active citizenship within local communities.

The knowledge and practical tools acquired during the training will contribute to future youth work initiatives by supporting young people in navigating today’s increasingly complex information landscape. By fostering critical media literacy and encouraging responsible digital participation, the project reinforces the role of youth workers as multipliers who help build more resilient, informed, and democratic communities.

This training course was funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The article is published as part of the project’s dissemination activities.