​

Course

“Activism in cyberspace as a hybrid threats counter”

Academic year 2023-2024

​

Jean Monnet Module Erasmus+

“Civil society in conflict resolution process:

the EU experience for Ukraine”

101084973 — EURoCoRP — ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH

​

​

ACTIVISM IN CYBERSPACE AS A HYBRID THREATS COUNTER

Course Content (1)

Topic 1: Hybrid threats in social networks: the realities of the XXI century.

Topic 2: Classification of social networks.

Topic 3: Mechanisms of inciting conflicts in social networks.

Topic 4: Types of information influences.

Topic 5: Infodemia and Information Chaos.

Topic 6: Public practice of counteracting misinformation and propaganda.

Topic 7: Media literacy.

Topic 8: Development of Soft Skills to counter misinformation and propaganda.

Topic 9: European information policy.

Topic 10: Information policy of Ukraine.

3

Topic 11: Regulatory regulation of information security.

Topic 12: Anti-disinformation policy: EU practice, implementation in Ukraine.

Topic 13: EU Disinformation Organization.

Topic 14: Information warfare and operations of influence.

Topic 15: Cyberwarfare - threat awareness and counteraction.

Topic 16: Attacking information weapon.

Topic 17: New technologies in mitigating and countering hybrid threats.

Topic 18: Information security and cybersecurity.

Topic 19: Regulatory and Legal Enforcement of Cyber Security in Countries of the European Union: The Experience for Ukraine.

Topic 20: The vulnerability of cyberspace: Ukraine.

ACTIVISM IN CYBERSPACE AS A HYBRID THREATS COUNTER

Course Content (2)

Topic 8: Development of Soft skills to counter misinformation and propaganda

• Mastering the basics of constructive communication.
• Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade.
• Active listening.
• Storytelling (the ability to tell).
• Empathy, emotional intelligence.
• Positive worldview and ability to adapt to changes.
• Critical innovative thinking.

​

Mastering the basics of constructive communication (1)

Mastering the basics of constructive communication is essential for effective interpersonal relationships, both personally and professionally. Here are some steps to help you improve your constructive communication skills:

​

• Active Listening: One of the most crucial aspects of constructive communication is active listening. When someone is speaking, make an effort to really hear what they are saying. Avoid interrupting and focus on understanding their perspective.

​

• Empathy: Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their feelings and point of view. Empathy helps create a more supportive and understanding communication environment.

Mastering the basics of constructive communication (2)

• Clarity: Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid vague or ambiguous language. Use specific examples when possible to illustrate your points.

​

• Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to your non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These can often convey more than words and should align with your intended message.

​

• Stay Calm and Respectful: Even in challenging situations, maintain a calm and respectful tone. Avoid getting defensive or aggressive. Remember that disagreements are a natural part of communication, and they can be resolved constructively.

Mastering the basics of constructive communication (3)

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversation by asking open-ended questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer. This invites the other person to share their thoughts and feelings.

​

• Avoid Blame: Instead of blaming or accusing, focus on using "I" statements to express your feelings and needs. For example, say, "I feel hurt when..." rather than "You always make me feel..."

​

• Give and Receive Feedback: Constructive communication involves giving and receiving feedback. When giving feedback, be specific and use examples. When receiving feedback, listen without becoming defensive and consider how you can improve.

Mastering the basics of constructive communication (4)

• Use "I" Messages: Express your thoughts, feelings, and needs using "I" messages. For example, "I feel frustrated when deadlines are not met" rather than "You never meet deadlines."

​

• Practice Patience: Effective communication takes practice, and it may not always go smoothly. Be patient with yourself and others as you work on improving your skills.

​

• Conflict Resolution: When conflicts arise, approach them with the intention of finding a solution that works for both parties. Focus on the issue at hand, not personal attacks or past grievances.

Mastering the basics of constructive communication (5)

• Feedback Loop: After a conversation or interaction, reflect on how it went and what you could do better next time. Continuous improvement is key to mastering constructive communication.

​

• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and adapt your approach accordingly when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

​

• Seek Help if Needed: If you find that your communication difficulties are impacting your relationships or well-being, consider seeking the assistance of a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and support.

Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade (1)

The ability to conduct difficult negotiations and persuade others is a valuable skill in both personal and professional contexts. Here are some key components of this skill:

​

• Effective Communication: Persuasion and negotiation require excellent communication skills. You should be able to articulate your ideas clearly, listen actively to others, and adapt your communication style to the needs and preferences of your audience.

​

• Empathy: Understanding the perspective, needs, and motivations of the other party is essential. Empathy helps you tailor your arguments and proposals to align with their interests and concerns.

Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade (2)

• Preparation: Before entering negotiations or attempting to persuade someone, thorough preparation is crucial. This involves researching the subject matter, understanding the other party's position, and anticipating potential objections or counterarguments.

​

• Establishing Common Ground: Finding common ground with the other party is often the first step in persuasion and negotiation. Identifying shared interests or goals can create a foundation for collaboration.

​

• Building Trust: Trust is a fundamental component of successful persuasion and negotiation. Be honest, reliable, and consistent in your interactions. Trust can take time to develop, so be patient.

Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade (3)

• Active Listening: Pay close attention to what the other party is saying, both verbally and non-verbally. This not only helps you understand their position but also demonstrates respect for their perspective.

​

• Problem-Solving: Approach negotiations as opportunities to solve problems or find mutually beneficial solutions. A win-win outcome is often more sustainable than one where one party feels they have lost.

​

• Flexibility: Be open to compromise and alternative solutions. Rigidity can hinder successful negotiation and persuasion efforts.

Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade (4)

• Control Emotions: Keep your emotions in check during negotiations. Emotional reactions can cloud judgment and hinder effective communication. Maintain a calm and composed demeanor.

​

• Confidence: Confidence in your ideas and proposals can be persuasive. However, it's important to strike a balance between confidence and arrogance.

​

• Effective Persuasive Techniques: Learn and apply persuasive techniques, such as storytelling, using evidence and statistics, and appealing to emotions when appropriate.

Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade (5)

• Managing Conflict: In difficult negotiations, conflicts may arise. Develop conflict resolution skills to address disagreements constructively and keep negotiations on track.

​

• Negotiation Tactics: Familiarize yourself with negotiation tactics and strategies, such as anchoring, concessions, and reciprocity, and use them judiciously.

​

• Patience: Negotiations can be time-consuming, and persuasion efforts may take time to yield results. Be patient and persistent in your pursuit of your goals.

Ability to conduct difficult negotiations, to persuade (6)

• Ethical Considerations: Maintain ethical standards throughout the negotiation and persuasion process. Avoid manipulative or deceptive tactics.

​

• Feedback: Seek feedback from others on your negotiation and persuasion skills. Constructive feedback can help you refine your approach and identify areas for improvement.

​

Remember that mastering the ability to conduct difficult negotiations and persuade others is a continuous learning process. It involves a combination of interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability to different situations and individuals. Success in negotiation and persuasion often comes with experience and practice.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Active listening (1)

Active listening is a crucial skill for effective communication. It involves fully engaging with a speaker, understanding their message, and demonstrating that you are attentively listening. Here's how to practice active listening:

​

Give Your Full Attention:

• Find a quiet and comfortable environment where you can focus on the conversation without distractions.
• Put away electronic devices or anything that might divert your attention.

​

Maintain Eye Contact:

• Maintain eye contact with the speaker to show that you are engaged and interested in what they are saying.
• However, be mindful not to make the other person uncomfortable with excessive or intense eye contact.

Active listening (2)

Use Non-Verbal Cues:

• Show your interest through your body language. Nod occasionally to acknowledge the speaker and use facial expressions to convey your understanding and empathy.
• Avoid crossing your arms or displaying defensive body language.

Minimize Interruptions:

• Resist the urge to interrupt or finish the speaker's sentences. Let them express themselves fully before responding.
• If you have a question or need clarification, wait for an appropriate pause to ask.

Focus on the Speaker:

• Concentrate on what the speaker is saying, not on what you plan to say next. Clear your mind of distractions and be present in the moment.
• Listen not only to the words but also to the tone of voice, pauses, and emotions conveyed.

Active listening (3)

Avoid Judgment and Assumptions:

• Suspend judgment and refrain from making assumptions about the speaker's thoughts or intentions.
• Be open to different perspectives and resist forming opinions prematurely.

​

Paraphrase and Reflect:

• Periodically summarize or paraphrase what the speaker has said to confirm your understanding. For example, you can say, "So, what I'm hearing is..."
• Reflecting back their words shows that you are actively engaged in the conversation.

​

Ask Open-Ended Questions:

• Use open-ended questions to encourage the speaker to elaborate and share more about their thoughts and feelings.
• Avoid closed-ended questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

Active listening (4)

Empathize and Validate:

• Show empathy by acknowledging the speaker's emotions and validating their feelings. For example, you can say, "I can understand why you might feel that way."
• Avoid dismissing or minimizing their emotions.

​

Resist the Urge to Provide Solutions:

• Sometimes, people just need someone to listen and don't necessarily want advice or solutions. Hold off on offering advice unless the speaker explicitly asks for it.

​

Be Patient:

• Allow the speaker to express themselves at their own pace, even if they take longer to get to the point or share their thoughts.

Active listening (5)

Practice Mindfulness:

• Cultivate mindfulness by staying in the moment and avoiding distractions or mental wandering during the conversation.

​

Offer Feedback and Support:

• When appropriate, provide feedback and support that is constructive and affirming. Let the speaker know that you appreciate their sharing.

​

Active listening not only helps in better understanding others but also builds trust and rapport in relationships. It is a skill that can be honed with practice and can lead to improved communication and more meaningful connections with others.

Storytelling (the ability to tell) (1)

Storytelling is a powerful skill that can captivate an audience, convey information, and evoke emotions. Whether you're telling a personal anecdote, giving a presentation, or simply engaging in conversation, here are steps to help you improve your storytelling ability:

​

Know Your Audience:

• Tailor your story to your audience's interests, knowledge, and preferences. Consider what will resonate with them and what they might find engaging.

​

Choose a Compelling Topic:

• Select a topic or message that is relevant and interesting to your audience. Your story should have a clear purpose, whether it's to entertain, educate, inspire, or persuade.

Storytelling (the ability to tell) (2)

Structure Your Story:

• Stories typically have a beginning, middle, and end. In the beginning, introduce the characters, setting, and situation. In the middle, present the conflict or challenge. And in the end, provide resolution or a key takeaway.

​

Create a Strong Opening:

• Start with a hook or attention-grabbing opening that draws your audience in. This can be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, a vivid description, or a compelling anecdote.

​

Develop Characters and Setting:

• Provide enough detail to help your audience visualize the characters and the setting. This helps them connect with the story on a personal level.

Storytelling (the ability to tell) (3)

Build Suspense and Conflict:

• Engage your audience by introducing a conflict, challenge, or obstacle that adds tension to the story. This keeps them invested in the outcome.

​

Show, Don't Tell:

• Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a mental picture for your audience. Instead of telling them what happened, show them through sensory details.

​

Use Dialogue:

• Incorporate dialogue to make the characters come alive and to convey emotions, thoughts, and interactions.

​

Maintain a Clear Theme or Message:

• Ensure your story has a central theme or message that aligns with your purpose. The audience should be able to identify the main takeaway.

Storytelling (the ability to tell) (4)

Keep it Concise:

• Avoid unnecessary details and tangents that can dilute the impact of your story. Be concise and focused on the essential elements.

​

Use Emotional Appeal:

• Connect with your audience on an emotional level by sharing relatable experiences, challenges, or triumphs. Emotionally charged stories are often more memorable.

​

Vary Your Tone and Pace:

• Adjust your tone and pacing to match the mood and content of your story. Use dramatic pauses, changes in volume, and pacing to create tension or emphasize key points.

Storytelling (the ability to tell) (5)

Practice and Rehearse:

• Practice your storytelling to refine your delivery. Rehearse your story multiple times to ensure you are comfortable with it.

​

Seek Feedback:

• Share your story with others and ask for feedback. Constructive feedback can help you improve your storytelling skills.

​

Pay Attention to Timing:

• Be mindful of the time available for your story. Avoid rushing through it or dragging it out excessively.

Storytelling (the ability to tell) (6)

Engage Your Audience:

• Encourage audience engagement by asking questions, inviting them to imagine scenarios, or prompting them to reflect on the story's meaning.

​

Learn from Great Storytellers:

• Study the techniques of skilled storytellers, whether they are authors, speakers, or performers. Analyze what makes their stories compelling.

​

Be Authentic:

• Be yourself when telling a story. Authenticity can make your storytelling more relatable and sincere.

Empathy, emotional intelligence (1)

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves the capacity to "put yourself in someone else's shoes" and see the world from their perspective. Empathy allows you to connect with others on an emotional level, to feel what they are feeling, and to respond with understanding and compassion.

There are three main types of empathy:

• Cognitive Empathy: This involves understanding and recognizing another person's emotions and perspective. It's about being able to identify what someone else is feeling.
• Emotional Empathy: Emotional empathy goes a step further. It's the ability to actually feel the emotions of others as if they were your own. This deep emotional connection helps you respond empathetically to their needs and experiences.
• Compassionate Empathy: This type of empathy combines cognitive and emotional empathy with a desire to take action and help others. It involves feeling someone's pain or suffering, understanding it, and being motivated to alleviate it in some way.

Empathy, emotional intelligence (2)

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions in oneself and in interactions with others.

It encompasses several key components:

​

• Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence.

​

• Self-regulation: The ability to manage and control your emotions, especially in high-stress situations. It involves staying calm, composed, and adaptable, even when facing challenges.

​

• Motivation: The capacity to set and work toward meaningful goals, even in the face of setbacks or obstacles. It involves having a sense of purpose and the drive to achieve it.

Empathy, emotional intelligence (3)

• Motivation: The capacity to set and work toward meaningful goals, even in the face of setbacks or obstacles. It involves having a sense of purpose and the drive to achieve it.

​

• Empathy: As mentioned earlier, empathy is a core aspect of emotional intelligence. It's the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others with sensitivity and compassion.

​

• Social Skills: Effective interpersonal skills, including communication, conflict resolution, and building positive relationships. Social skills are crucial for collaborating, leading, and working effectively with others.

​

Emotional intelligence is considered a valuable skill in personal and professional life because it helps individuals navigate social interactions, communicate effectively, manage stress, build and maintain relationships, and make sound decisions based on both rational thinking and emotional understanding.

Positive worldview and ability to adapt to changes (1)

A positive worldview, often referred to as a positive outlook or optimism, is a mental and emotional attitude characterized by a general belief in the goodness of life and the expectation that positive outcomes are more likely than negative ones. Here are some key aspects of a positive worldview:

​

• Optimism: Positive individuals tend to have a hopeful and optimistic outlook on life. They believe that good things will happen and that challenges can be overcome.

​

• Resilience: A positive worldview often goes hand in hand with resilience. Resilient individuals can bounce back from adversity, setbacks, and stress more effectively because they maintain a hopeful attitude.

Positive worldview and ability to adapt to changes (2)

• Gratitude: People with a positive worldview often practice gratitude, appreciating the good things in their lives and focusing on what they have rather than what they lack.

​

• Solution-Oriented: Positive individuals are proactive in seeking solutions to problems and challenges. They approach difficulties with a "can-do" attitude and a belief that they can find ways to overcome obstacles.

​

• Emotional Well-Being: A positive worldview is associated with higher levels of emotional well-being and lower levels of stress and anxiety. It can lead to greater life satisfaction and happiness.

​

• Positive Relationships: Optimistic individuals tend to have more positive and fulfilling relationships. Their positivity can be contagious and make them more enjoyable to be around.

Positive worldview and ability to adapt to changes (3)

The ability to adapt to changes, often referred to as adaptability or flexibility, is the capacity to adjust to new circumstances, environments, or situations effectively. Here are some key elements of adaptability:

​

• Open-Mindedness: An adaptable person is open to new ideas and perspectives. They are willing to consider alternative approaches and solutions.

​

• Resilience: Like a positive worldview, adaptability is closely tied to resilience. When faced with change or adversity, adaptable individuals can recover and adapt more quickly.

​

• Problem-Solving: Adaptability often involves problem-solving skills. It includes the ability to assess a situation, identify necessary adjustments, and take action to address challenges.

Positive worldview and ability to adapt to changes (4)

• Continuous Learning: Adaptable individuals have a growth mindset and are eager to learn and acquire new skills. They see change as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

​

• Emotional Regulation: Adaptable people can manage their emotions effectively when facing uncertainty or change. They remain composed and focused, even in challenging situations.

​

• Resourcefulness: Adaptability often involves making the most of available resources and finding creative solutions to problems.

​

• Versatility: Adaptable individuals can function well in a variety of environments and roles. They are versatile and can adjust their behavior and approach as needed.

Critical innovative thinking (1)

Critical innovative thinking is a cognitive process that combines critical thinking and creative thinking to generate novel ideas, solve complex problems, and drive innovation. It involves the ability to analyze information, question assumptions, and approach challenges in unconventional ways. Here are some key characteristics and elements of critical innovative thinking:

​

• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the foundation of critical innovative thinking. It involves the evaluation and analysis of information, arguments, and ideas to make informed decisions and solve problems. Critical thinkers are skilled at logical reasoning, evidence-based analysis, and the identification of biases and fallacies.

​

• Creative Thinking: Creative thinking involves generating original ideas, making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and thinking "outside the box." It encourages the exploration of multiple perspectives and solutions.

Critical innovative thinking (2)

• Problem-Solving: Critical innovative thinkers are adept problem solvers who approach complex issues with creativity and analytical rigor. They can break down problems into manageable components, identify root causes, and propose innovative solutions.

​

• Questioning Assumptions: One of the key aspects of critical innovative thinking is the willingness to question assumptions and challenge the status quo. This involves asking "why" and "what if" questions to uncover hidden opportunities and uncover potential biases.

​

• Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Critical innovative thinking incorporates both divergent and convergent thinking processes. Divergent thinking generates a wide range of ideas and possibilities, while convergent thinking narrows down and selects the best ideas for implementation.

Critical innovative thinking (3)

• Risk-Taking: Innovative thinking often involves a degree of risk-taking, as it may require departing from established norms or experimenting with new approaches. Critical innovative thinkers are willing to take calculated risks in pursuit of innovative solutions.

​

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Critical innovative thinking often draws from diverse fields and disciplines. It encourages individuals to integrate knowledge and insights from various domains to create innovative solutions.

​

• Collaboration: Innovative thinking is often a collaborative endeavor. Teams composed of individuals with different perspectives and expertise can foster innovative ideas through brainstorming, feedback, and cross-pollination of ideas.

Critical innovative thinking (4)

• Continuous Learning: Critical innovative thinkers have a growth mindset and are committed to continuous learning and self-improvement. They seek out new knowledge and skills to enhance their problem-solving and creative abilities.

​

• Tolerance for Ambiguity: Innovation often involves dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty. Critical innovative thinkers are comfortable navigating uncertain terrain and making decisions with incomplete information.

​

• Adaptability: Given the rapidly changing nature of today's world, critical innovative thinkers are adaptable and responsive to evolving circumstances and opportunities.

​

• Implementation Focus: Innovative thinking is not limited to generating ideas; it also emphasizes the practical implementation of those ideas to bring about meaningful change and improvements.

Sources

• Media Literacy Now. URL: https://medialiteracynow.org/
• The Center for Media Literacy. URL: https://www.medialit.org/
• Hobbs, R. (2021). Media Literacy in Action. New York: Rowman and Littlefield.
• Hobbs, R. & Mihailidis, P.(2019). The International Encyclopedia of Media Literacy. New York: Wiley.

39

Jean Monnet Actions

Useful links

EURoCoRP

Ostroh Academy, NU

European Commission

�Thank you for attention!

Prof. in charge – Dmytro Shevchuk, Doc. Sci.

Co-Lecturer - Sergii Ishchuk, Doc. Sci.

Co-Lecturer - Tetiana Sydoruk, Doc. Sci.

Co-Lecturer - Kateryna Yakunina, PhD

Co-Lecturer - Olena Shershnova, PhD

The National University of Ostroh Academy

https://www.oa.edu.ua/

https://eurocorp.oa.edu.ua/