The digital world is a double-edged sword, especially for children and young people. On the one hand, it offers endless possibilities for communication, creativity and education. On the other hand, it harbors dangers such as cyberbullying, fake news and data protection risks.
To protect and empower young Internet users in this risky environment, Dominic DiFranzo of Lehigh University and a team from Cornell University launched the innovative platform “Social Media TestDrive.”
What is Social Media TestDrive?
This tool is more than just a learning platform, it is a kind of safe training ground for using social media. Social Media TestDrive allows children to simulate interacting on social networks without being exposed to real-world dangers. Mistakes they make in this virtual environment have no real-world consequences, but provide valuable learning opportunities.
DiFranzo and his team have taken a decisive step by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into this system to make the platform even more effective and responsive.
AI-supported learning in the digital space
The use of AI in the social media TestDrive platform opens up new dimensions in the education sector. By interacting directly with users, AI can provide instant feedback and warnings when children explore potentially dangerous content or make risky decisions. For example, AI can point out a disturbing post and encourage children to think about possible dangers.
This type of interactive and situational learning experience is crucial to giving young people a deep understanding of the complexities and potential dangers of social media.
Proactive approaches to cyberbullying
DiFranzo emphasizes the importance of active intervention in cyberbullying, one of the main dangers in social networks. This is where the platform comes into play by not only offering preventive information, but also showing concrete strategies for intervention in cyberbullying situations. The Social Media Co-Pilot, an AI-based tool within the TestDrive platform, simulates more complex scenarios and provides advice on how best to respond to risks such as online aggression, data breaches, phishing and fraud. These practical scenarios prepare children and young people for real-life situations and strengthen their ability to protect themselves and others.
questions and answers
Question 1: What is the goal of the social media TestDrive platform?
Answer 1: The aim is to teach children and young people how to use social media safely and responsibly, especially with regard to cyberbullying, fake news and data protection.
Question 2: How is AI used on the platform?
Answer 2: The AI responds directly to children's input, issues warnings about risky content and offers advice in more complex scenarios to promote effective and safe behavior on social media.
Question 3: How does the platform support children in dealing with cyberbullying?
Answer 3: In addition to providing information about cyberbullying, the platform offers concrete strategies and interventions on how children can act proactively if they observe cyberbullying or are affected by it themselves.
Question 4: Is Social Media TestDrive only available to students in the US?
Answer 4: Currently the program is used primarily in American middle schools, but the developers are considering possibilities for scaling and global availability.
Question 5: What differentiates Social Media TestDrive from other learning platforms?
Answer 5: The unique combination of realistic social media simulation, interactive AI support and practical learning scenarios that prepare children for real-world challenges in social networks.
Conclusion
The “Social Media TestDrive” platform represents an important step in digital education. It not only offers children and young people the opportunity to learn how to use social media in a safe environment, but also prepares them for complex and sometimes dangerous situations real life.
The integration of AI into this system significantly increases the effectiveness of the platform by enabling personalized learning and instant feedback. This type of training is crucial to protecting and empowering young people in an increasingly digital world.
Source: press release
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1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )