Digital Jungle: Where Hoaxes and Haters Lurk

An Interactive Discussion for Students on Interreg Cooperation Day 2025 

As part of this year’s Interreg Cooperation Day 2025, the Interact programme, together with the Bratislava Region, crisis helpline IPčko, and other partners, successfully hosted an interactive discussion titled “Digital Jungle: Where Hoaxes and Haters Lurk.” The discussions took place on 17 September 2025 at the Aréna Theatre in Bratislava and on 25 September 2025 at the synagogue in Senec.

The event was designed for secondary school students eager to better navigate the online world, uncover internet manipulation, and explore strategies for confronting hate and misinformation. The discussion was about more than digital safety - it was about empowering young Europeans to think critically, protect democratic values, and contribute to stronger, more united regions.

Photo by Monika Kováčová – 17 September 2025, Aréna Theatre, Bratislava

Prominent public and professional figures took part in the programme, including the president of Bratislava Region Juraj Droba; vice president Alžbeta Ožvaldová; stand-up comedian Tomáš Hudák; musician “bedña”; psychologists Zuzana Juráneková and Marek Madro, who spoke openly with students about the challenges of the digital space. More than 460 students from various schools in Bratislava region took part. The discussion was moderated by actress Michaela Majerníková.

Photo by Monika Kováčová – 25 September 2025, Synagogue, Senec

Students engaged in open conversations and gained practical tips on recognising hoaxes, responding to online hate, and building healthy digital habits. They also had the opportunity to ask questions and actively participate in the discussion.

The event was held in celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day, marking 35 years of Interreg cross-border cooperation and support for interconnected regions across Europe. It showed that cooperation today is not only about connecting regions, but also about equipping societies to face shared challenges. By building resilience against disinformation and empowering young people to navigate the digital world with confidence, Europe strengthens trust, protects democracy, and ensures its regions can thrive together.