The Common Sense Network (TCS Network) is a bi-partisan news network for millennials, dedicated to finding ‘common sense’ in a divided and polarised world. Founded by Michael Omoniyi, TCS Network empowers and educates young people to become better digital citizens. They primarily work with BME young people between the ages of 18 and 34 based across the UK, with a focus on Manchester. Their activities include ‘digital citizen workshops’ (co-designed with Google), online training and university tours, covering topics such as fake news, emotional manipulation, polarisation and more. They also have extensive online editorial and news content.
Young people live in an increasingly digital world and TCS Network empowers them to navigate it safely and contribute positively online, educating them to become better digital citizens. Since it was established in 2019, TCS Network has visited 12 universities speaking to audiences of over 3,000 about echo chambers, polarisation and how to leave them. 83% of attendees felt more confident about engaging with people different to them and 88% felt their views had been challenged. In 2020 and 2021 over 120 young people took part in Common Sense’s online training and digital workshops on fake news, emotional manipulation, polarisation and more. 97% felt that they gained new knowledge or skills and 84% left the workshop more confident that they would know what to do if they come across hate speech online.
The Common-Sense Network is among 14 other Youth Ventures Programme (YVP) grant recipients selected to receive project funding and technical support from The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT). QCT’s funding will allow Common Sense to expand their offer and enable them to recruit a new member of staff. QCT funds will also go towards updating digital assets and creating new videos.
