Methodology

This research project examines how young adults perceive, evaluate, and process the Middle East conflict through social media. Since current empirical research on the topic is very limited, a qualitative research approach was chosen for data collection. Guided interviews are used to collect the data. 

The study will involve conducting interviews with high school and college students aged 16 and older to assess the significance of the Middle East conflict for identity formation. In addition, the study aims to examine whether and how young people recognize (left-wing) extremist content related to the Middle East conflict and how this content shapes their daily lives. To take biographical developments into account and ensure that the results are measurable, the interview combines biographical-narrative and structured interview elements. 

The interviews will then be systematically analyzed from a qualitative perspective in order to, on the one hand, provide research findings on the media literacy of adolescents and young adults and, on the other hand, highlight the individual perspectives and experiences of young people in relation to the Middle East conflict. The findings from the interviews will serve as the basis for the development of argumentation training and workshops in the second part of the project.