Based on the research project “3G against conspiracy theories:
seen, tested, countered. Critical (Social) Media Literacy in Adult
Education in Vienna”, the authors address the problems of media education in view of the new (social) media technologies and
identify a need for education, especially in the area of adult
education. Critical media literacy – this is the central argument –
goes beyond the “low-risk” use of media (e.g. through fact-checking) and can enable citizens to take part in democratic negotiation and participation processes and to use media critically or
to use reflectively. All in all, critical media literacy can be understood not only as a cornerstone of “enlightened media education”, but also as a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.