Digital & Media

Social media literacy workshops help older residents of Totnes navigate online safety and misinformation

Social media literacy workshops help older residents of Totnes navigate online safety and misinformation.

By Niall Peters, The Commons View | 27 July 2025, 08:51

In the market town of Totnes, a new series of workshops is helping older residents navigate the complex digital landscape of social media. Led by local charity Digital Neighbours, the initiative focuses on online safety, misinformation awareness, and building confidence in digital communication.

The sessions, hosted in the town library, were created after volunteers noticed an increase in scams targeting pensioners. “We saw people being added to fraudulent WhatsApp groups or sharing articles that looked legitimate but weren’t,” said project coordinator Meera Hassan.

Each workshop begins with the basics — how to identify trustworthy sources, spot fake accounts, and use privacy settings. Participants are encouraged to bring their own phones or tablets, with volunteers on hand to provide one-on-one help.

Joan, 76, says she now feels more secure online. “I used to just click whatever looked interesting. Now I check the web address and look for signs it might be fake,” she said, holding a guidebook filled with handwritten notes.

The workshops also delve into the emotional side of social media use. Facilitators discuss the risks of isolation, comparison, and digital fatigue — topics not usually addressed in tech support environments.

Partnerships with local banks and police officers allow for practical demonstrations on spotting phishing links and reporting suspicious content. In one recent session, a participant discovered she’d unknowingly accepted a friend request from a known scammer.

For many attendees, learning to mute or block harmful content has been a revelation. “It’s empowering,” said Doug, 82. “I’ve cleaned up my feed and now I actually enjoy being on Facebook again.”

Beyond safety, the sessions also aim to promote digital inclusion. Older residents are encouraged to join community WhatsApp groups, engage with local event pages, and even create content — such as nature photos or recipe posts — to share with family and neighbours.

Totnes Town Council supports the programme and has pledged to expand it to nearby villages. Mobile sessions are planned for care homes and church halls, ensuring digital literacy reaches those with limited mobility or internet access.

A digital helpdesk will be established at the local library on Thursday mornings, where trained volunteers will assist with ongoing questions and device troubleshooting.

Organisers say their long-term goal is to create a model that other towns can adopt. “This isn’t about tech — it’s about people,” said Hassan. “It’s about making sure everyone has the skills and confidence to participate safely in the modern world.”