Anti-democratic statements, antisemitic narratives, conspiracy theories and hateful comments are no longer encountered by young people only on the fringes of the internet. They have become part of discussions on social media, in digital communities and in comment sections. But how can we respond to these developments instead of simply watching from the sidelines? This is precisely where the new AVP model project Civic Youth Net – Promoting Democracy & Preventing Extremism Online comes in. The project takes a cross-phenomenal approach, addressing different forms of extremism, and aims to reach young people where public debates increasingly take place: in the digital space.
Not just observing, but starting conversations: this is a central principle of the project. The team is active on social media and engages with a broad range of social and extremist topics: from far-right and racist narratives to antisemitism and conspiracy ideologies, as well as anti-feminism, misogyny, hostility towards queer people and anti-Muslim racism. Anti-democratic agitation, authoritarian worldviews, disinformation and the spread of extremist codes and enemy stereotypes are also addressed. The aim is to identify such narratives and potential signs of radicalisation at an early stage, critically examine them and engage young people in conversations about them. Rather than lecturing, the project focuses on asking questions, encouraging people to see different perspectives and fostering respectful dialogue.
A new team, shared ideas and initial experiences: Since the project began in 2026, an interdisciplinary team has come together to shape the work of Civic Youth Net. Regular professional exchange within the team and across teams, along with joint reflection, helps continuously develop the project’s approaches. After all, democratic values cannot be conveyed through information alone – they require exchange, participation and people willing to engage in dialogue with one another.
The project is part of the federal programme “Demokratie leben!” (Live Democracy!) run by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
