According to Eurostat, in 2020, 80 % of the EU’s adult population reported having used the internet on a daily basis (more than 90% of adults in Iceland). Prague (Czech Republic) is one of the regions with the highest shares of daily internet users in 2020.
ICTs are valuable tools for the development of our society, however, their bad use can lead to discrimination and exclusion:
-The study “How Common Is Cyberbullying Among Adults? Exploring Gender, Ethnic, and Age Differences in the Prevalence of Cyberbullying”, demonstrates that adults have experienced cyberbullying 24% (26–35 years), 15.1% (36–45 years), 13% (46–55 years), and 6.5% (66+ years). 83% of young adults believe social networks do not do enough to prevent cyberbullying (Survey DoSomething.org).
-Haukur Gudmundsson from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice of Iceland states “Hate speech could be easily found on websites and social media in Iceland”. On Czech Republic, The Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities states that authorities need to intensify their efforts to combat stereotypes and prejudice against the minority groups most exposed to hate speech”.
-In Iceland 35% of women under domestic violence were immigrants (Womens’s Shelter, 2018)”. The Ministry of Interior in Spain recorded in 2017 and 2018, 1419 and 1598 hate crimes accordingly. Cyberbullying, Hate Speech and Hate Crime are repelled visible actions in our society. However, adult communities are not aware of the origin that leads to this: Digital Wounds.
Digital Wounds is a phenomenon normalized in our adult communities which threats their safety, mental health and well- being. The lack of adults’ capacities in the proper and ethical use of ICTs, as well as the lack of awareness of the Digital
Wounds consequences, are some urgent needs to be tackled. Digital Wounds are dangers for the cohesion of a democratic society, the protection of human rights and the rule of law.
They are a menace to democratic values, social stability and peace. In this sense, Digital Wounds are an extreme form of intolerance and exclusion which can lead to physical violence and crime.
“Digital competence is 1 of the 8 key competences which are fundamental for individuals in a knowledge-based society. It is also key for all to understand how to be safe online” European Commission (EC).
Project results
As a summary, adult trainers and adult learners will be beneficiaries of an innovative methodology that addresses a normalized effect that now-a-days has little attention in our society. The easy access of the methodology through the interactive book, dissemination activities and training services will provide, adult communities, capacities and readiness to identify, prevent, intervene and counteract Digital Wounds.
On the other hand, adult trainers will increase the quality of their daily work, being able to fight the
misconceptions/misinformation that form the basis of Digital Wounds. Adult trainers will be capable of addressing Digital Wounds, which does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. It means avoiding and keeping them from escalating into something more dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence. They will be recognized as good reference in boosting healthy digital environments.
- Adult trainers and adult learners will become able to participate online under ethical principles. This will make them become a reference in the proper use of Digital Media. We expect other users learn from their example. It is clear that reducing Digital Wounds will contribute to foster inclusion and diversity in the Digital World. Members of disadvantaged social groups will be able to participate on a more equal footing in digital society without stereotypes.