Futures literacy and media literacy
Rapid technological and social change raises new questions about how people understand the future, assess information and make decisions under uncertainty.
What we research
The development of artificial intelligence, changes in the media and information environment, disinformation, polarisation and declining trust in media and institutions further underline the need for new research approaches that will help us better understand these processes and their impact on individuals and society.
At the Institute of Communication Studies we develop futures literacy in close connection with media and information literacy. We research how people form their images of the future, which assumptions shape their expectations, and how media, digital platforms and new technologies affect their understanding of the present and of possible future changes. Of particular interest is how these factors influence critical thinking, behaviour and participation in public life.
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Through the UNESCO Chair in Futures Literacy and Media and Information Literacy, we create space for interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and the development of new methodological approaches. We connect communication and media studies with education, technology, democratic participation and futures studies, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of complex changes in contemporary society.
We also direct our research towards practical application. We turn the knowledge we create into educational programmes, online courses, methodologies, media content, resources and public policy recommendations. In this way we connect research, education and practice and create opportunities for cooperation with academic institutions, civil society organisations, media, public institutions and international partners.
We also see futures literacy as an important resource for the public interest. The ability of citizens and institutions to critically question information, recognise different possible developments and make informed decisions contributes to greater social resilience and higher-quality democratic participation. Our aim is to use research, partnerships and the application of knowledge to contribute to societies that better understand change and are better prepared to shape their future responsibly.
