Skip to content
Politics — Revolutionize Your Flight — Stay Connected with AeroCloud — Crime-and-justice

Koblenz Library Hosts Free Talks on Social Media's Impact on Youth

How does social media shape young minds? A German library invites you to debate its risks and rewards—no ticket required. Step into the conversation.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a man in a suit and tie standing at a podium in front of a crowd, with a microphone...
The image shows a man in a suit and tie standing at a podium in front of a crowd, with a microphone in his hand and a banner in the background. He appears to be making a statement, likely in response to the news that the government has banned the use of social media.

Koblenz Library Hosts Free Talks on Social Media's Impact on Youth

Koblenz. Does early social media use harm children and teenagers—and if so, should it be regulated? And what about online debates, which increasingly take place on social media platforms? Where do we draw the line between free speech and hate speech? The Rhineland-Palatinate State Library Center in Koblenz invites the public to explore these pressing questions through open dialogue. Two sessions are scheduled: "Do We Need an Age Limit for Social Media?" on May 9 and "Online Discussions: Free Speech or Cyberbullying?" on May 23, both held on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in structured conversations on these topics with others. The discussions follow the "Speak & Listen" dialogue format developed by Mehr Demokratie e.V. (More Democracy), a nonpartisan organization. The rules are simple: conversations take place in small, moderated groups where everyone has equal speaking time, no one is interrupted, and all viewpoints are heard. The format encourages participants not only to express their own opinions but also to actively listen, understand differing perspectives, and foster mutual respect—key principles of democratic discourse.

Through these moderated discussions, attendees can experience firsthand how both speaking and attentive listening contribute to better understanding. The approach promotes empathy and respect for diverse viewpoints, aligning with the values of a vibrant democracy.

The dialogue series complements the interactive exhibition "Everything on Offer: A Traveling Exhibition on Disinformation, Digital Violence, and Our Daily Lives Online," currently on display at the LBZ Koblenz. Produced jointly by HateAid and neuland & gestalten, the exhibition runs through May 30, 2026. Groups of five or more can book a visit at https://t1p.de/AllesimAngebot, while individual visitors do not need to register in advance.

Admission to both the dialogue sessions and the exhibition is free.

Event Overview:

Exhibition:"Everything on Offer: A Traveling Exhibition on Disinformation, Digital Violence, and Our Daily Lives Online" A joint production by HateAid and neuland & gestaltenDates: March 12 to May 30, 2026

Accompanying Series:"Speak and Listen" Dialogue format by Mehr Demokratie e.V., moderated by Benjamin Merkler (LBZ) Sessions (Saturdays, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.): - May 9, 2026:"Do We Need an Age Limit for Social Media?" - May 23, 2026:"Online Discussions: Free Speech or Cyberbullying?" No prior registration required.

Venue: Rhineland-Palatinate State Library Center / Rhineland Regional Library, Bahnhofplatz 14, 56068 Koblenz

Read also:

Related

Latest