Research Unit Digital Literacy

Information

Digital literacy is considered a key resource in today's digital societies. Fostering digital literacy is associated with high expectations, as the acquisition of digital literacy should enable people to benefit from their use of digital media. Moreover, harmful influences resulting from the risks of use should be minimized. This is especially relevant for children and adolescents who have fully integrated digital media into their everyday lives and are particularly confronted with the challenges of today's digital societies. Nevertheless, the acquisition of digital literacy can be understood as a lifelong learning process due to the ongoing digitalization in all areas of society. Prof. Wendt's research unit theoretically and empirically examines, which components of digital literacy are particularly relevant in today's digital environments, how these can be measured and promoted and what role digital literacy plays, for example, for the well-being of users. To answer these questions, it is necessary to observe and systematically analyze the trends, opportunities and risks of digital media use in different age groups. Typical methodological approaches include standardized surveys and qualitative interviews, diary studies and investigations in experimental and longitudinal settings. The aim is to provide knowledge on how to promote informed, self-determined and socially responsible media use in digital environments.

Research Projects