Project strand "Demokratie leben!"

Simplified victim-perpetrator attributions, the trivialization and glorification of extremist actors and actions, the spread of disinformation and the proliferation of (left-wing) extremist narratives - since the escalation in the Middle East conflict on 7 October 2023, numerous critical contents have been circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people.

In order to address this phenomenon scientifically and educationally, the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies (HfJS), in cooperation with the Heidelberg University of Education (PHHD), is conducting a research project to systematically examine the prevalence of (left-wing) extremist narratives related to the Middle East conflict within social media, how young people - specifically pupils and university students - encounter such content, and the extent to which these narratives influence their attitudes and opinions. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Havva Engin (PH HD) and Rabbi Prof. Dr. Birgit Klein (HfJS), the project team is developing research-based workshops and argumentation training for pupils and students, as well as workshops for teachers, educational professionals and multipliers. These initiatives are designed to prevent extremism and antisemitism, foster democratic values, and strengthen media literacy concerning the Middle East conflict.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) as part of the "Demokratie leben!" project strand.

E-mail address: projekt.medienkompetenz(at)hfjs.eu