The Quo Vadis Conference launched a discussion on responsibility in the digital world

The Faculty of Mass Media Communication at UCM in Trnava once again provided a forum for scholarly discussion among young researchers. The international conference Quo Vadis 2026: Between Chaos and Responsibility, held on April 16, brought together doctoral students and experts from the field to collectively reflect on the current challenges of the media and digital environment.

This year’s edition focused on the tension between the dynamics of the digital world and growing demands for ethics, transparency, and social responsibility. Discussions centered primarily on the influence of media and marketing on audience behavior, the phenomenon of information overload, the polarization of society, and the role of digital games and new technologies.

FMK is building a strong community of young researchers

“When we came up with the title for this conference years ago, we never imagined it would remain so relevant. If we add chaos and responsibility to the mix, we have plenty to discuss—I believe we will not only be chaotic, but above all responsible,” said Faculty Dean Ľudmila Čábyová in her opening remarks.

She also highlighted the importance of doctoral students to the development of the faculty and research: “I am very glad to have you here. You bring innovation, vitality, and energy, and you teach us so much. It’s incredible how many activities you’re involved in, and we’re very grateful to you for that.”

The event was opened by moderator and doctoral student Martin Paučin, who emphasized the need to strike a balance between technological progress and a responsible approach: “We live in an environment of rapid change and information overload. The aim of the conference is not only to identify these phenomena, but also to seek ways to navigate them critically and sustainably.”

A Discussion on Media, Marketing, and Responsibility

The conference was held in two interconnected sessions and combined academic reflection with practical perspectives. Among the guests were Martina Slováková (Cukru Production), Ivan Tarabčák (Council for Media Services), Michal Kabát (FMK UCM), Lukáš Gregor (Faculty of Multimedia Communications, UTB), and Patrícia Kordiaková (TA3, co-founder of the Novinárky initiative).

Other speakers included Lenka Šamajová (FMK UCM), Tatiana Turisová (Faculty of Arts, UK), Piotr Bukański (University of the Commission of National Education in Krakow), Martin Vahančík (Institute of Mediamatics and Cultural Heritage, UNIZA), Livia Kramer (NIVAM), and Miroslav Hajnoš (a professional expert active in several organizations).

“Conference participants analyzed the mechanisms and strategies driving the current pressure to capture the public’s attention. The discussion focused on the impact of media and marketing content on individuals’ behavior, perceptions, and decision-making,” said Dominika Zvercová, a doctoral student and member of the conference organizing committee.

Other key topics included the growing polarization of society, the spread of problematic narratives, the use of gamification and behavioral techniques, and the impact of information overload on quality of life. The conference once again reaffirmed its role as a platform that supports the next generation of researchers while contributing to the creation of a higher-quality and more responsible media environment.

Photo source: Magdaléna Tomalová