Fragile Memory. Social Media and Their Influence on the Culture of Memory in Academia and the Public Sphere

In addition to the specialist historical public, the section is also aimed at schoolchildren and teachers, as the communication of historical knowledge through social media is becoming increasingly important. Platforms such as YouTube, Tik Tok or Instagram are primarily used by young people and are often even the first source of information to deal with certain topics. Institutions of political education, such as memorial sites or foundations, have also reacted to this and adapted their educational offers to the use of social media. The question remains open as to how the changed usage behaviour (for example, through the strongly visual mediation of history) will affect the perception of historical topics and thus also the culture of remembrance in general. The lectures take up this field of tension and show from an academic perspective which changes can be observed, for example, for GDR history or the memory of National Socialism. At the same time, actors from the field will have their say and describe their own experiences in conveying history on Tik Tok and Instagram. Pupils are cordially invited to participate in the discussions. Teachers will also find points of contact, as "classic" history lessons have long been faced with the challenge of having to deal with the risks and opportunities of social media.

The event will take place in the in the Great Lecture Hall of the GRASSI Museum