Nearly 100 young people examine the risks of digital life

Nearly 100 young people are exploring the opportunities and risks of the digital world at the Junge Uni Waldviertel-Vysocina, a cross-border youth university in Raabs an der Thaya, ORF reported.

The participants, aged between 11 and 14, are attending lectures in the mornings and workshops and excursions in the afternoons. This year’s theme is “Everything digital?” and covers news, healthy internet habits, artificial intelligence and democracy.

Learning the limits of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is already readily available to many young people. The programme therefore examines not only how the technology works, but also when digital tools are useful and where their limits lie.

Participant Robin Novak from Prague told ORF that artificial intelligence should not be overused. In his view, young people should also learn to complete tasks without it.

Organisers say they want to show not only the positive aspects of the digital world, but also its less attractive and potentially dangerous sides. The aim is to raise awareness among children and young people.

Finding the right amount of screen time

The programme also addresses everyday media use, including computer games, social media and the risk of problematic use. Former participant Marlies Brezik, who is now part of the support team, said one of the biggest challenges for young people was finding the right balance between using a mobile phone and engaging with digital media.

These questions are addressed in lectures and workshops including “Internet and healthy social habits” and “How much digital activity can your brain handle?” The organisers say they do not want to question digital tools altogether, but to encourage more conscious use of them.

Exchanging ideas across the border

The cross-border exchange has been a central part of the Junge Uni since it began. The programme was created around the 2009 Lower Austria state exhibition and has since connected the Waldviertel with the Czech region of Vysocina.

German and Czech are used throughout the week. Lectures and workshops are made accessible to participants from both countries, while shared leisure activities create further opportunities to meet.

For Novak, who grew up bilingual, the use of both languages is familiar. For other participants, the week offers a chance to work more closely with peers from the neighbouring country for the first time.

The Junge Uni is organised by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for War Consequences Research in cooperation with the University for Continuing Education Krems and the Vysocina region.