UCD Professor’s Youth Anti-Disinformation Resource Wins Media Literacy Ireland Award

UCD-Led AlgoWatch Project Wins Top Media Literacy Award for Youth Initiative

A groundbreaking research project focused on educating teenagers about artificial intelligence and algorithmic literacy has received national recognition for its innovative approach to combating misinformation. AlgoWatch, co-led by Professor Aphra Kerr of University College Dublin (UCD), was named Best Media Initiative for Young People at the prestigious Media Literacy Ireland (MLI) Awards this week.

The two-year project, which concluded in September 2025, developed comprehensive educational resources specifically tailored for young people aged 13-17, addressing the growing challenges of navigating AI systems and algorithmic content.

“Young people and educators need resources developed by trusted organisations to navigate the impacts of AI and algorithms and build skills to take action against misinformation and disinformation,” said Professor Kerr, who is affiliated with UCD’s School of Information and Communication Studies and serves as Co-PI at the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre.

“It is critical that media literacy programmes embed appropriate knowledge, skills and values and are co-created with the communities that they wish to serve,” she added.

The project’s international dimension was central to its success, bringing together expertise from across Europe. Professor Kerr collaborated with partners from Savoir Devenir in Paris, the Association for Communication and Media Culture-DKMK in Zagreb, and Iscte University Institute of Lisbon to develop the multilingual resources.

AlgoWatch produced an impressive array of educational tools, including a competency framework, an interactive online quiz, a game, posters, workshops, and exhibition materials. These resources specifically address misinformation and disinformation in four critical areas: climate change, online democracy, health, and online relationships.

Accessibility was a key consideration for the project team, with all resources available in English, French, Portuguese, and Croatian through the AlgoWatch website, ensuring wider reach across European youth populations.

The MLI Awards judges noted that the Best Media Initiative for Young People category was the most competitive of all, attracting 15 entries with five ultimately shortlisted. The judging panel, comprising Philip Arneill from CyberSafeKid, Jayne Foley from Fresh Film, and Pete Moles from Emerging Limerick Filmmakers, was particularly impressed by AlgoWatch’s timely focus.

“Given the topicality of algorithms, AI and disinformation, [AlgoWatch] is a novel and timely initiative that tackles the urgent issue of disinformation through AI workshops and international collaboration, making it both relevant and impactful,” the judges stated in their assessment.

They also highlighted the project’s gender balance and thematic approach as significant strengths that contributed to its effectiveness in engaging young audiences.

The recognition comes at a critical time when digital literacy has become essential for young people. Recent studies indicate that teenagers are increasingly exposed to AI-generated content and algorithmic recommendation systems across social media platforms, often without the critical skills needed to identify potential manipulation or misinformation.

The MLI Awards, supported by Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland’s Media Commission), recognize exceptional work that helps individuals develop crucial media literacy skills. The awards specifically acknowledge projects that empower users to make informed decisions about media consumption while encouraging innovation, collaboration, and evaluation in media literacy initiatives.

AlgoWatch received co-funding from the European Union under the Creative Europe programme, reflecting the EU’s growing emphasis on digital literacy as part of broader efforts to combat disinformation across the region.

The award ceremony, held earlier this week, was attended by key figures in the media literacy landscape, including Aoife MacEvilly, Commissioner for Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand at Coimisiún na Meán, who presented the award to Professor Kerr and her team.

As AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, initiatives like AlgoWatch represent an important step in preparing the next generation to engage critically with algorithmic systems that increasingly shape their online experiences and information environment.