The scenario was created (by two students & their teacher) within the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) programme for the purpose of celebrating Europe Day (9 May 2026). Modern digital society exposes young people to enormous quantities of information every day. Social media platforms, AI-generated content, memes, influencers and online communities increasingly shape opinions and beliefs, often without proper fact-checking or source verification. As digital citizens, students (particularly EP ambassadors) must develop critical thinking skills that help them recognize manipulation, misinformation, conspiracy theories and false narratives. This workshop was designed to strengthen students’ media literacy through the analysis of common myths surrounding the European Union. By investigating viral misconceptions and comparing them with verified facts, students actively practice identifying unreliable information and evaluating credible sources. The workshop also connects digital citizenship with democratic participation and European values. Students learn not only how misinformation spreads online, but also how institutions such as the European Union communicate policies, rights and opportunities for young people. Through collaborative work, QR-code research activities, discussion and public speaking, students become active participants in the learning process rather than passive consumers of information.

By the end of the workshop, students will be able to: identify misinformation and conspiracy-based narratives online; distinguish between myths and verified facts related to the European Union; critically evaluate online sources and digital content; recognize AI-generated or manipulative social media content; explain how misinformation spreads through media and online platforms; work collaboratively in teams to research and present information; improve communication and presentation skills; understand opportunities the EU offers to young people through programs such as eTwinning, EPAS, Erasmus+.