THE ABC BOOK
OF MEDIA LITERACY
A NEW PRIMER FOR EVERY 9th GRADER IN FINLAND
Learn to read. Again.
Media literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential for the future of democracy. In an era of hybrid warfare and pervasive disinformation, particularly targeting vulnerable populations, mastering the ability to discern truth from falsehood is critical. This skill is now as important for children as traditional literacy.
This August, Finland is launching a world-first initiative on this scale: every ninth grader will receive ‘The ABC Book of Media Literacy’ designed to combat the rising tide of disinformation. Using the alphabet as a framework, this innovative tool equips young Finns with the critical skills needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape, especially as AI accelerates the spread of falsehoods.
Globally recognized for its excellence in education, Finland is once again setting a new benchmark. By empowering the next generation with the tools to think critically and act responsibly, Finland is not just safeguarding its youth but reinforcing the very foundations of democracy. News Media Finland (NMF), the organization behind the initiative, will ensure this vital resource reaches every school, fortifying the resilience of Finnish society.
‘The ABC Book of Media Literacy’ uses the alphabet to introduce key media literacy concepts, from algorithms to zines, offering an illustrated A to Z guide to navigating the media landscape.
“A fragmented media landscape, fueled by social media bubbles, AI, and disinformation, has led to increased confusion and anxiety among young people online.”
“We live in a fragmented media landscape, social media bubbles, the rise of AI, disinformation and misinformation, global conflicts and a weakening economy. The combination of these factors has led to increased confusion and anxiety among young people online. Political division and increasingly radical politicians aim to erode journalism’s credibility, blurring the line between truth and fabrication.
In order to resolve this issue, media literacy is crucial but with every passing year it becomes more strained and weakened. The primer’s mission is to raise awareness and equip new generations with more tools and understanding to navigate an increasingly polarized physical and digital world.”
– Susanna Ahonen, project manager at News Media Finland
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FAQ
What is the current state of media literacy in Finland and abroad?
Media literacy in Finland is generally high, with strong emphasis on critical thinking and media education in the school curriculum. Finnish students consistently perform well in international assessments of media literacy. However, there are emerging risks and challenges. The rapid growth of social media has created new risks, such as the spread of misinformation and echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs without critical evaluation. Additionally, the increasing sophistication of digital manipulation techniques poses a threat to even the most media-literate individuals. Globally, media literacy varies significantly, with some countries making substantial progress in integrating media education into their educational systems, while others still lag behind. Challenges such as misinformation and digital literacy disparities remain prevalent worldwide.
Why was this primer created now?
This primer was created in response to the growing threats from hybrid warfare and escalating global tensions. The recent geopolitical landscape, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and Finland’s accession to NATO, underscores the importance of robust media literacy to combat disinformation and cyber attacks from malign actors. The rise of social media has increased the vulnerability of teenagers to misinformation due to echo chambers and filter bubbles. By educating ninth graders, we aim to build a more informed and resilient society capable of critically evaluating the information they encounter online.
Why make it a physical book?
Creating a physical book ensures that every student has the same experience, providing a standardized and consistent learning tool for all ninth graders. This approach helps in promoting equality, as each student receives the exact same resource, eliminating disparities that could arise from differing access to digital devices or internet connectivity. Additionally, a physical book is not susceptible to digital threats such as hacking or malware, making it a more secure medium for delivering important educational content. By distributing the same physical book to all students, we ensure that everyone has access to the same information in the same format, fostering a sense of unity and shared learning experience.
How will this primer battle hybrid threats?
This primer will equip students with essential skills to critically analyze and interpret media content, making them more resilient to hybrid threats, which often involve a combination of misinformation, cyber attacks, and psychological manipulation. By understanding concepts like algorithms, bots, and disinformation, students can better recognize and respond to attempts at manipulation and misinformation. This enhanced media literacy will help build a more informed and vigilant society capable of countering various hybrid threats from malign actors.
Why distribute it to ninth graders (14-15 year olds)?
Ninth graders, typically aged 14-15, are at a critical stage in their cognitive development where they are beginning to engage more deeply with complex ideas and concepts. This is an ideal age to introduce comprehensive media literacy education, as they are becoming more active consumers and creators of media. Research indicates that teenagers in this age group are among the most active users of social media platforms, often using them more frequently and intensively than their younger peers. For instance, social media usage is particularly high among those aged 16-24, with significant daily engagement across various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. By targeting ninth graders, we aim to provide them with the necessary tools to navigate the media landscape responsibly and thoughtfully as they transition into adulthood, helping them to critically evaluate the content they encounter online and to understand the mechanisms behind social media and its influence.
What is News Media Finland (NMF)?
News Media Finland is an organization representing Finnish news media companies. It works to promote the interests of its members, advocate for press freedom, and support high-quality journalism. The organization plays a vital role in fostering a well-informed society by ensuring that reliable news and information are accessible to the public, thereby contributing to the overall media literacy and awareness in Finland.
Who are the makers of this book?
The primer was created in collaboration with News Media Finland (NMF), United Imaginations and a type designer / illustrator Ville Salervo.
United Imaginations, a Helsinki-based creative agency, has established itself as a key player in Finland’s creative industry since its founding two years ago. The agency is recognized for its forward-thinking approach, which blends creativity with a strong focus on societal and systemic impact, underscoring its dedication to using creativity to drive meaningful change.
Ville Salervo is a Helsinki-based designer and artist specializing in illustrated typography. His work combines imaginative characters, dynamic letterforms, and vibrant color palettes. Salervo creates 3D typography both digitally and as physical sculptures, with his work showcased in various exhibitions across European galleries.