Evaluate current growth barriers or opportunities, understand where action is needed (by the Government or others) to address these barriers, and understand the impact of any interventions.
Background
Although there is already material evidence on the types of serious harms individuals encounter online, there still remain a number of emerging harms, where the evidence base is still yet to mature (e.g. epilepsy trolling, online animal abuse). SOH would like to close this significant gap in understanding the impact of encountering different types of serious harms online and understanding the best approaches to measuring the impact of the Online Safety legislation.
SOH highlights the importance of Media Literacy in the digital age and asks for further studies to uncover barriers to engagement as well as the effectiveness of DSIT programmes. This issue closely relates to Counter-Disinformation interventions, which requires evidence for its effect on bystanders, topic specific disinformation and what tools can be used to combat this issue.
Research on Safety Technology would greatly develop SOH’s understanding of the relationship that DSIT online safety objectives have with the technology market today. A primary focus lands on improving Age Assurance (AA) measures. This includes ensuring transparency and assessing opportunities for the sector.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Topics
Related UKRI funded projects
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Rethinking Media Literacy and Digital Skills in Europe (REMEDIS)
Over the past decade, we have witnessed major transformations in access to digital media platforms in Europe. However, navigating this digitally mediated world can be challenging as it requires operational, social, conte...
Funded by: AHRC
Lead research organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on understanding the impact of media literacy and digital skills interventions, which are crucial for addressing growth barriers and opportunities in the digital age.
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BOOTSTRAP: Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalising, Post-Pandemic Europe
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at particularly high risk for digital technology overuse, including in response to the COVID pandemic, and are therefore vulnerable for its potential harmful effects on mental health. Problema...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on understanding the harmful effects of digitalization on mental health, which aligns with the question's goal of evaluating growth barriers and opportunities in online safety.
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Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalising, Post-Pandemic Europe (BOOTSTRAP)
Project summary BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at particularly high risk for digital technology overuse, including in response to the COVID pandemic, and are therefore vulnerable for its potential harmful effects on mental ...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on mental health impacts of digital technology, but does not directly address growth barriers or opportunities in online safety.