The DiSeRA (Disinformation of Seniors in Rural Areas) project is an initiative aimed at enhancing media literacy and digital skills among older adults living in rural areas across Italy, Ireland, Slovakia, and North Macedonia. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to disinformation, given their limited exposure to modern digital platforms and the rapidly evolving information landscape. DiSeRA addresses this gap by equipping seniors with the necessary skills to navigate digital information critically and avoid falling prey to misinformation.
The project is centred around creating a comprehensive media literacy programme that is specifically tailored to the needs of rural seniors. It involves a review of existing media literacy materials and the development of new, accessible training content. These materials are designed to be easy to understand and delivered via formats that are familiar and accessible to the target audience, such as local radio and online platforms.
The programme features eight short lessons on media literacy, which are followed by panel discussions involving media experts and educators. These lessons and discussions are available as podcasts, ensuring accessibility for those who may not engage with traditional digital platforms but are regular radio listeners. In Ireland, EurAV adapted the programme to include an audio-visual format, making it accessible both online and offline. The content was distributed via community radio stations like NearFM, where discussions featured a range of experts from different fields, including journalism and media production.
One of the key goals of DiSeRA is to build a stronger, more informed rural senior population that can critically assess information, recognise misinformation, and navigate the digital landscape more confidently. By improving media literacy, the project also fosters social inclusion, helping older adults feel more connected to their communities and the broader European context. The project culminates in the creation of a European network of organisations that work to further digital inclusion and promote critical thinking across rural regions.
The project’s website, disera.eu, provides access to the audio and visual lessons, along with additional resources for seniors and communities looking to enhance their media literacy skills