Improving Social Media Information Literacy Amongst 18–25-year-olds in Estonia: Applying Service Design and Game Design Theory

Author:
O'Connor, Emily
Supervisor:
Babayev, Zaur
University:
Estonian Academy of Arts

Social media has enabled the rapid dissemination of information across Europe in particular misinformation and disinformation. Young social media users between 18-25-year-olds are particularly vulnerable to these information attacks due to their passive behaviour on social media. Common themes for these information disorders include, but are not limited to, politics, well-being and celebrity gossip.This thesis explores how service design, co-design, and educational game design can address the issue of social media information literacy amongst this target group in Estonia. Through qualitative interviews with media experts and young adults, alongside two co-design workshops, the research identifies the needs, motivations, and challenges surrounding social media use and media and information literacy.