Forms of onlife active citizenship: Media use for civic engagement by new generations with migrant background in Italy and the role of education

Abstract

This article explores the intersection between activism, civic engagement, and the onlife dimension, a framework that conceptualizes the inseparability of online and offline experiences. Drawing on a series of in-depth interviews with 20 young activists with migrant background (11 males and 9 females aged between 20 and 31 years), this research investigates the ways in which anti-racist and intersectional practices are shaped and amplified by digital media in Italy. The findings highlight the obsolescence of the online-offline dichotomy, demonstrating how digital technologies are seamlessly embedded in activism and everyday life. Participants recognize the dual role of digital media: as a powerful tool for mobilization and awareness but also as a space where hate speech and harmful stereotypes are propagated. The study underscores the urgent need for educational interventions rooted in media education, critical thinking, and intercultural perspectives. Such approaches can equip younger generations with the tools to counteract online hate speech, foster inclusivity, and leverage the onlife dimension for positive social change. This article ultimately calls for reimagining education as a transformative space where the digital and physical converge to promote active, inclusive citizenship.