The Digital Mirror:
AI, Content & You
Hosted by NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, co-developed by the Professorship of Organisations and Social Media (NHL Stenden), Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria), and Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), The Digital Mirror: AI, Content & You brings you face-to-face with real influencers! Get ready to analyse influencer content, create your own AI-powered virtual influencer, and showcase your prototype at our conference Shaping the Public: Responsible Influencing in Digital Media. Working in intercultural teams, you will explore online influence through content analysis, graphic design for research communication, and virtual influencer creation platforms, developing critical digital literacy and communication skills.
Virtual Programme
The virtual component spans several weeks and consists of five webinars, two hands-on tutorials, and ten (coached) group work sessions. Students begin by exploring intercultural and responsible communication principles and developing team values frameworks. They then receive comprehensive training in systematic social media content analysis, learning to apply a research codebook to micro-influencer content while adhering to open research ethics. Over multiple sessions, teams systematically analyse influencers’ content, archive materials, and reflect on research rigour. Furthermore, a dedicated tutorial introduces graphic design tools for research communication, enabling students to transform their research findings into compelling visual presentations. Following formative feedback, teams refine their analysis presentations in preparation for direct dialogue with the micro-influencers they studied. The programme then shifts to virtual influencer development. Students explore the ethical and authenticity considerations of AI-generated personas, complete a strategic Virtual Influencer Canvas, and learn about metaverse technologies and avatar development platforms. By the end of the virtual programme, teams have strategically designed their virtual influencer concept, ready for technical prototyping on-campus.
Face-to-Face Week Programme
The face-to-face week in Leeuwarden begins with a welcome evening focused on team bonding and cultural exploration, and day one features an official opening ceremony with inspiring talks and immersive cultural activities in Leeuwarden. Next, in day two, we bridge research and practice through a market-style showcase where students present their content analysis findings directly to the micro-influencers they analysed, receiving real-time feedback and engaging in professional dialogue. Teams then begin hands-on prototype development using Ready Player Me, focusing on avatar design and modeling. Days three and four are dedicated to intensive avatar development, with teams learning to use Animaze and Unity for avatar interaction and animation. Day three concludes with team-building activities. Then, day four culminates in a public exhibition where teams showcase their virtual influencer prototypes, followed by the academic conference on responsible influencing Shaping the Public: Responsible Influencing in Digital Media. Students attend conference sessions and participate in structured reflection on digital ethics and responsible content creation. The programme concludes on day five with inspiring talks, collaborative reflection on learning experiences, peer feedback, and comprehensive programme evaluation.
The Digital Mirror: AI, Content & You is an interdisciplinary programme that aims to foster your development beyond traditional learning outcomes. It challenges you to ask critical questions about digital influence, prompts reflection on your own online presence and social media experiences, and empowers you to navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence and ethical awareness. Through hands-on creation, intercultural collaboration, and direct engagement with influencers and researchers, you will gain practical skills while developing a more thoughtful, critical perspective on the role of AI and influence in shaping our digital reality. Join us in exploring not just how technology works, but how we can use it responsibly to create meaningful connections and positive impact.
7th of May 2026 to 26th of June 2026
English
To be defined by each home institution. In general terms, most students will have this RUN-EU E+BIP certified in the Diploma Supplement, as a minimal condition upon approval from their study programmes.
Bachelor's and Master's level students.
Programme at a glance
Focus: programme introduction, teachers and students getting to know each other, forming groups, introduction to influencers and the influencer economy, intercultural and responsible communication session.
Preparation for Webinar #2 is required and will be done during independent group work.
Focus: introduction and selection of micro-influencers that will be analysed, introduction and explanation of codebook and methodology, open research ethics.
Preparation for Tutorial#1 is required and will be done during independent group work.
Focus: practice the codebook by applying it to a sample of social media content.
Preparation for Tutorial#2 is required and will be done during independent group work.
Focus: introduction to graphic design tools, practice using graphic design for research communication.
Preparation for Webinar#3 is required and will be done during independent group work. The focus will be finalising the systematic digital content analysis and audio-visual presentation.
Focus: providing feedback on content analysis findings and the developed visuals, preparing questions for the micro-influencers. Please note that group working sessions will be scheduled at a later time.
The systematic digital content analysis and audio-visual presentation will be due on 5 June 2026.
Preparation for Webinar#4 is required and will be done during independent group work.
Focus: introduction to virtual influencers, the Virtual Influencer Canvas, authenticity and ethical considerations.
Preparation for Webinar#5 is required and will be done during independent group work.
Focus: introduction to the Metaverse, theory and technology on avatar setup, virtual idols and platforms supporting the development of virtual avatars. Please note that group working sessions will be scheduled at a later time.
The virtual influencer canvas will be due on 19 June 2026.
Group landing, team building and cultural exploration.
22 June 2026 - Opening the Mirror: Launch & Cultural Immersion
Official opening, welcome speeches, inspiring talk, getting to know each other and cultural immersion in Leeuwarden.
23 June 2026 - Real Meets Virtual: Content Analysis Presentation & Creation
Showcase of social media content analysis findings to micro-influencers during a market showcase. Starting the creation of virtual influencer prototypes, exploring theoretical underpinning and practical exercises with Ready Player Me focusing on avatar design and modeling.
24 June 2026 - Building Virtual Influencers: Avatar Development
Continue the development of the prototype through practical exercises with Ready Player Me for avatar design and modeling, and learn how to use Animaze and Unity for avatar interaction. The day ends with team building activities.
25 June 2026 - Sharing Perspectives: Exhibition & Conference
Finalising and setting up the virtual influencer exhibition, presenting prototypes, receiving feedback and learning from each other. Attending and reflection on afternoon conference sessions.
26 June 2026 - The Final Mirror: Reflection & Inspiration
Inspiring talks, reflecting on learning and experiences and evaluating the BIP.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
- apply academic research methodologies to systematically analyse social media content developed by micro-influencers by using a codebook while complying with open research ethics principles.
- collaborate effectively in international teams by developing shared values frameworks, establishing communication norms, and deepening intercultural competence through immersive cultural exploration and cross-cultural dialogue with peers and other stakeholders.
- transform qualitative content analysis findings into visually compelling presentations using graphic design tools and effectively communicate research insights to micro-influencers.
- design and develop working digital avatar prototypes that bring their strategic virtual influencer canvas to life by applying technical platforms (Ready Player Me, Animaze, Unity).
- critically evaluate ethical dimensions of digital influence through hands-on analysis, creation, and conference participation, demonstrating informed perspectives on research ethics, information integrity, transparency, and the societal impact of content creation in the digital age.
Selection criteria
- Motivation for participation.
- Clear articulation of the programme's relevance to students’ academic/professional path.
- Foundational knowledge of social media platforms.
Involved organisations and persons
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Host Organisation, Lead Organisation- Irina Dragomir (Lead Instructor)
Polytechnic University of Leiria
Partner Organisation- Catarina Menezes (Instructor)
- Leonel Brites (Instructor)
Professorship of Organisations and Social Media (NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences)
- Abram Kleijweg (Regional Stakeholder)
- Deike Schulz (Regional Stakeholder)
- Giacinto Bottone (Regional Stakeholder)
Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences
Partner Organisation- Peter Hoffmann (Instructor)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674