Virtual universes: the various impacts of conspicuous alternative realities

Abstract

The so-called post-postmodern cyber era is spectacularly looming upon users of versatile digital communication platforms and omnipresent virtual reality dimensions. The ‘brave new times’ have also resulted in the rising importance of various computerized applications aiming for spreading mass persuasion, disinformation, propaganda and fake news primarily targeting users belonging to two distinguished age groups: teenagers young adult and senior citizens. The pandemic and the war in East Europe have also demonstrated the enormous power and influence of informational warfare and cyber security operations which may threat even the normal operation of democratic societies and jeopardize the right of millions for reliable and authentic information resources and knowledge. The article presents a designated educational module on media literacy with the objective to prepare both students and educators for the various challenges of the cyber era. The paper also highlights upon the most ardent threats various challenges posed by social media sites and all the new phenomena endemic of these virtual reality platforms.

The so-called post-postmodern cyber era is spectacularly looming upon users of versatile digital communication platforms and omnipresent virtual reality dimensions. The ‘brave new times’ have also resulted in the rising importance of various computerized applications aiming for spreading mass persuasion, disinformation, propaganda, and fake news, primarily targeting users belonging to two distinguished age groups: teenagers, young adult and senior citizens. The pandemic and the war in East Europe have also demonstrated the enormous power and influence of informational warfare and cyber security operations, which may threat even the normal operation of democratic societies and jeopardize the right of millions for reliable and authentic information resources and knowledge. The article presents a designated educational module on media literacy with the objective to prepare both students and educators for the various challenges of the cyber era. The paper also highlights upon the most ardent threats, various challenges posed by social media sites and all the new phenomena endemic of these virtual reality platforms.