Researching with critical optimism

Sebastian Wachs explores the opportunities and risks of digitalisation

Professor Sebastian Wachs’ office on the first floor of the Georgskommende stands in stark contrast to the dark brick façade of the Institute of Education: it is bright, personal and modern, in keeping with the young educationalist, who was appointed professor at the University of Münster in 2023, and his research focus - digitalisation. The professor emphasises that his research group is investigating this "far-reaching process of change in society as a whole" in education to determine how information and communication technologies affect the personal development of children and young people in particular, and how they can "grow up with well-being" in the digital age.

Sebastian Wachs was raised in East Frisia and initially studied educational science in Bremen, specialising in adult education. However, at the suggestion of a professor, he focused on teacher education and the topic of (cyber)bullying for his Diplom thesis and stayed on at university. "This career path was never on my radar, but I really enjoyed my studies and was always interested in the subject." Now he knows things could have turned out differently. "A university career can’t always be planned, there are a few turning points where you can get lost along the way," he commented.

Sebastian Wachs did not get lost - he completed his doctoral degree in Bremen and then worked at the University of Potsdam, where his enthusiasm for collaborating with other universities was born. He went on research visits to three US universities, works with Indian, Thai and Spanish colleagues. "For me, it is important to cooperate not only nationally, but also internationally. This allows us to compare questions, problems and findings and to learn from each other," stated Sebastian Wachs.

Although he feels that the Institute’s international orientation could be strengthened, the 44-year-old is happy to have come to Münster. For one thing, he sees the move from his former home in Berlin to Münster as a "pleasant culture shock", thanks to the strong cycling culture and the short distances; for another, he recognises the advantages in terms of content. "The Institute is one of the largest in Germany, which means that there are many potential cooperation partners on site: from early childhood to adult education."

His group is currently working on hate speech, disinformation and cybergrooming. The latter refers to adults initiating sexual contact with children and young people via the internet. "Our ’CERES’ project is unique because we are working together with the Federal and State Criminal Investigation Departments and their joint Centre for Criminology, which allows us to examine the perspectives of both victims and perpetrators," explained Sebastian Wachs. Around ten per cent of young people are affected by cybergrooming, and there are various risk factors and consequences that are currently being investigated. When Sebastian Wachs talks about the challenges of "online worlds", he also emphasises the good. "We take a critical and optimistic view. After all, digital media offer many positive experiences and most young people do not experience any dangers. Nevertheless, we want to find out how to better protect young people from violence, hate and disinformation."

It is important to him that his research and publications are not only of a high quality and quantity, but also that they can be put into practice. He is particularly proud of his self-developed prevention programme "HateLess. Together against hate". "One of my conditions was that the funding plan should include money for an attractive product design," remarked Sebastian Wachs. The result is a programme for the prevention of hate speech in schools that is not only aesthetically appealing to young people, but also practical for teachers, thanks to the carefully prepared didactic materials.

Sebastian Wachs also thinks practically when it comes to university teaching. "Teaching is exhausting - especially if you want to do it well. But it is an important link in the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice. For example, I will never discuss a theory in my lectures without working out with the students how this theory can influence their own actions."

Sebastian Wachs combines research and practice; he is interested in "people and their interactions". Cohesion is important to him - social cohesion and the threat posed by disinformation and fake news, as well as personal cohesion at the Institute. The working group eats lunch together every day, talks about private matters and follows clear rules, for example about being (un)available at weekends. And so it becomes clear in conversation that Sebastian Wachs is very interested in well-being - academically and personally, online and at the Georgskommende.