GEKKOS – For constructive interaction in online spaces
Alongside many positive aspects, such as networking and forming political opinions, social media also entails risks connected to dynamics of violence. BIPoC, queer people, and politically engaged individuals are very often affected by digital violence. We are evaluating GEKKOS’ free online educational offerings, provided by Friedensbüro Salzburg, which invite participants to engage with various aspects of social media, forms of digital violence, and possible strategies for action.
GEKKOS: Violence Prevention & Constructive Conflict Culture in Social Media
For constructive interaction in online spaces
About the Research
Since March 2026, the Salzburg Peace Office has been offering the free online training course “Vio-lence Prevention & Constructive Conflict Culture in Social Media”, known as GEKKOS. Until July 2026, participants attend weekly online courses in an after-work format, where they acquire not only knowledge about current digital trends but also concrete practical skills for dealing with digital vio-lence. To assess the impact of the training course on participants’ competencies, they are invited to take part in a pre- and post-course survey. In the final report, we will bring together the results of the pre- and final survey and look forward to gaining exciting insights into the impact of this im-portant training course.
Research Methods
Two standardised online surveys: a pre-course and a post-course survey assessing the competencies of training course participants at the beginning and end of the course.
Milestones/Outputs
Interim report: May 2026
Final report: December 2026
