069 - From Gaslighting to Activism: The Role of Youth in Shaping Political Discourse

In this thought-provoking episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, Dr. Robin Stern is joined by two distinguished scholars—Dr. Neta Kligler-Vilenchik, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Ioana Literat, Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Associate Director of the Media & Social Change Lab (MASCLab).

Together, they explore how young people are responding to and resisting gaslighting in today’s media and political landscapes.

We dive into the subtle and systemic ways gaslighting operates at the societal level—through disinformation, media manipulation, and the invalidation of young people’s voices. Our guests shed light on how youth are using digital platforms not just for self-expression, but as tools of resistance, reclaiming narrative control and challenging the status quo.

From meme activism to participatory media, we examine how youth are confronting narratives that attempt to silence or distort their realities—and how their creative and civic practices can inform a healthier, more truthful discourse moving forward.

Topics include:

• How gaslighting manifests in media and politics

• The role of education and media literacy in resisting misinformation

• The power of youth-led digital activism and civic engagement

• Why supporting young people’s agency is key to combating cultural gaslighting

Dr. Kligler-Vilenchik and Dr. Literat are also co-authors of the  book Not Your Parents' Politics: Young People, Social Media, and Political Engagement, published by Oxford University Press. The book explores how young people are reshaping political life in the digital age, offering crucial insights into the future of civic engagement.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

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Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

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