This Episode features Andrea Cox from Digital Intelligence. Together, we explore the work of her NGO, founded in 2017 in Slovakia, which focuses on promoting digital citizenship. Andrea emphasises the importance of using technology wisely and safely, integrating digital skills with the values needed to build a healthy society.

We delve into the specific challenges Slovakia faces in combating online hate, especially the disconnect between how Slovaks perceive themselves as welcoming and the reality of hate spreading through social media. Andrea explains how online spaces, initially created around innocent hobbies, have been co-opted to promote political agendas and hate speech, highlighting the complexities of navigating these environments.

Our conversation touches on the significant role education plays in addressing these issues. Andrea discusses the recent curriculum reform in Slovakia aimed at better preparing students for the digital age, though she notes that its full impact may take years to be fully realized. She shares examples of successful educational initiatives like the “Cyber for Kids” program and “Digi Peers,” which involve volunteers educating thousands of children across Slovakia on digital safety and critical thinking.

Andrea underscores the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, empathy, and resilience as essential skills for resisting radicalisation and disinformation. We also discuss the impact of anonymity on online behavior, recognizing both its risks and potential positives, such as the ability to explore identity in a safe environment.

We conclude the episode with Andrea advocating for multi-stakeholder collaboration, emphasising that no single group—whether civil society, tech companies, law enforcement, or policymakers—can tackle these issues alone. She shares her vision for a world where empathy is nurtured through games, books, and collaborative activities, which she believes could play a crucial role in reducing hate speech.