Should Facebook Scare Us? Media Education Work And Its Challenges Using The Example Of "Social Networks".

Abstract

Media education work takes place in an area of tension between the often preservationist expectations of individual actors and the demands that a media environment places on children and young people. Emotions, especially fear, play a major role, partly as a consciously used pedagogical tool, partly as an unintended side effect. This article uses the example of "dangers of social networks" to shed light on the role of fear in media education practice, and attempts to identify associated opportunities and challenges as well as possible options for action.