2 workshops, full of experience and key learnings made at the University of Macerata, for juniors and seniors, by Annalisa Plava, Ph.D.
Workshop with retirees
Empowering All Generations: EITHOS Project’s Workshops in the” University of Macerata
On April 2nd and 3rd 2025, the EITHOS project took significant strides in promoting digital awareness and cybersecurity across different age groups in Macerata, Italy. Through two tailored workshops, EITHOS demonstrated its commitment to fostering a culture of security that spans generations.
Engaging Retirees at the University of the Third Age
On April 2nd, researcher Annalisa Plava, Ph.D, from the Universita di Bologna led an interactive workshop with 16 retirees, aged 64 to 93, at the University of the Third Age of Macerata. This session focused on the risks and consequences of online identity theft (OIDT), a pressing concern for the senior community. Participants were introduced to preventive measures and support resources, including the OIDT Care Kit, the Riskmeter infographic, and comprehensive guidelines for assisting victims of online identity theft. The enthusiasm and active participation of the attendees underscored the importance of digital literacy in promoting social inclusion and active aging.
Empowering University Students in Digital Media Literacy
The following day, April 3rd, Annalisa conducted a workshop with 38 students from the University of Macerata’s Sociology of Communication and Digital Media course. Over two hours, students delved into the causes and impacts of online identity theft, engaged with the EITHOS project’s objectives, and participated in interactive activities such as quizzes and analysis of visual materials. Notably, the use of comic strip storytelling, kit cards, and the Riskmeter infographic facilitated critical discussions on digital identity and security.
Building Community Through Conscious Media Use
These workshops align with the broader goal of fostering conscious media usage to build community and avoid the pitfalls of digital echo chambers. By addressing diverse age groups, EITHOS emphasizes that cybersecurity awareness is a collective responsibility, essential for creating an inclusive and resilient digital society.
A Commitment to Inclusive Cybersecurity Education
EITHOS’s initiatives in Macerata reflect a strong commitment to integrating individuals of all ages into the cybersecurity discourse. Recognizing that digital threats do not discriminate by age, the project underscores the necessity of equipping everyone with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely. Through such inclusive educational efforts, EITHOS aims to build a culture of cybersecurity that is truly comprehensive and community-driven.
EITHOS stands for a future where no one is left behind in the digital world, especially not our seniors.
Workshop with students
Authors : Annalisa Plava, Ph.D ; PSC-Europe