About the Session:

Critical digital literacy (CDL) holds that all digital media are political, subjective, and purposeful. CDL incorporates the skills to critically analyze, evaluate, and engage in digital spaces such as online news sources, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI). Though various definitions of critical digital literacy exist, key components often include developing skills to use and evaluate digital media, enabling a person to critically explore manifestations of power socially and culturally. In a digital world, CDL also focuses on action and social transformation (Castellví et al., 2020). For LGBTQIA+ youth who often use digital spaces as safe spaces to build community and affirmation (Bacaj et al., 2025), learning CDL skills and reflection practices can aid in developing practices that protect LGBTQIA+ youth mental health and resilience during a time of misinformation and anti-LGBTQIA+ policies/discriminations (Hassoun et al., 2025). This program will introduce participants to CDL and how to incorporate it into clinical practice when working with LGBTQIA+ youth.