# Using Humor as a Trojan Horse for Digital Literacy Seniors, experts and comedians tackle misinformation through live comedy shows - **Published:** 2026-09-22 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c5b21643-b502-4d1c-870b-1f33d26e9f9f ## Origins of the project The initiative began from personal frustrations with family members falling for online conspiracy theories. Marta Rodríguez Martínez and her team at Istorias Media developed the concept after observing how difficult it was to discuss digital literacy with loved ones without causing conflict. Their solution was to create engaging formats that could deliver serious messages through humor and entertainment. ## The Trojan horse method Istorias Media's approach uses comedy as an entry point to discuss complex digital literacy topics. By first attracting audiences with humor, they create opportunities to deliver critical information about scams, fake news and AI. This method addresses the challenge of maintaining audience attention while discussing potentially dry or confrontational subjects. ## Laissons Parler les Sages format The live talk show format brings together seniors, experts and comedians on stage to unpack digital literacy issues. This intergenerational approach leverages the credibility of elders and the appeal of humor to create engaging educational content. The format builds on Istorias Media's previous success with Laissons Parler les Gens in Côte d'Ivoire. ## Proven effectiveness in Côte d'Ivoire The team's previous project in Côte d'Ivoire demonstrated the method's effectiveness, using comedy and personal stories to address online hate and cyberbullying. That initiative reached millions of views, proving that entertainment formats can successfully deliver serious messages about digital behavior and online safety. ## Partnership with IPI The International Press Institute's Media Innovation Incubator supports this initiative, recognizing its innovative approach to media literacy. This partnership provides resources and credibility to expand the project's reach and impact. The collaboration highlights growing institutional recognition of creative solutions to misinformation. ## Intergenerational knowledge transfer The program uniquely positions seniors as both learners and teachers in digital literacy. While helping older adults navigate modern misinformation, it also values their life experience and perspective. This two-way exchange challenges ageist assumptions about technology adoption and digital media consumption. ## Scalability potential The talk show format demonstrates potential for adaptation across different cultures and languages. Its reliance on universal elements like humor and personal storytelling makes it particularly suitable for localization. The project's success in Côte d'Ivoire suggests similar approaches could work in other regions facing digital literacy challenges. ## New model for media literacy Istorias Media's work represents an emerging paradigm in digital education that prioritizes engagement over lecturing. By meeting audiences where they are—on entertainment platforms—rather than expecting them to seek out educational content, this approach may prove more effective at scale than traditional digital literacy campaigns. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7508197594993500162-V9B_ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._