Disrupting disinformation starts with digital literacy
Meet Xavier Chalkley – STEAM Communicator at Science Gallery Melbourne, Co-founder & Lead Educator of Ctrl Your Scroll, and the MC for our next Future Careers Forum.
“For the first time, we’re a generation growing up with social media and navigating those challenges is something that generations before us have never faced. And so as young people, we’re at the forefront of this issue. Why don’t we be the ones who speak about it? ”
Xavier currently works at Science Gallery Melbourne as a STEAM Communicator, fostering creativity, critical thinking and curiosity in young people through innovative, exhibition-based learning experiences. He also runs workshops on digital practices and navigating the technological landscape at Ctrl Your Scroll, which he co-founded in 2023. Xavier graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2022, and is passionate about educating young people, sharing his knowledge and experience to help guide the next generation in their own future pathways.
What has your career journey and experience looked like so far?
I studied a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in human structure and function. I've always been really interested in how the brain works, how it connects to the body, and it probably was one of my biggest passions moving into Ctrl Your Scroll with the effects of dopamine on our body and addiction and that sort of thing. So, I've always loved that side of it.
I'm now working in Ctrl Your Scroll for most of the week, but also work part-time here at Science Gallery as a STEAM Communicator. It's really lovely to still be working with young people, something that I'm really passionate about and helping young people succeed and be the best versions of themselves.
Can you tell us a bit about Ctrl Your Scroll?
So, Ctrl Your Scroll is an organisation that runs workshops and events here in Victoria, focusing on how we can improve the digital habits of young people.
I'm sure everyone can relate to how technology might be impacting some area of their wellbeing, and we know that obviously technology is a really important part of our modern day lives. But when used unintentionally or mindlessly, it can have impacts and harmful effects on how we live our lives. So, we go around and educate young people and older people alike on how we can improve those digital habits to protect really important parts of our wellbeing.
What was the trigger point for when you realise mindless scrolling or phone addiction was a real problem for yourself and for society?
For me, it actually started at one of my best friend's birthdays back in my hometown of Shepperton. I hadn't seen him for over 12 months and we started a conversation, but somehow, I ended up on Instagram Reels scrolling. After a few minutes, he turned to me and he said, “What the heck are you doing?” And probably for the first time in my life, I realised I had an issue with something, or maybe even more deeply, I had an addiction to something: and that was my phone. So, from that moment, I have been trying to figure out how to actually use my device more intentionally: something that I was never really taught as a young person how to do. And from there Ctrl Scroll was born.
What are some of the positives that have come out of having a healthier relationship with technology?
Obviously, time is probably the biggest one. Taking back five, six, seven hours a day is something that has really changed my life. But probably more importantly, the effect that it's had on different areas of my wellbeing. My device was affecting so many different areas: my sleep, my relationship with my friends and family, my mental health, my focus. I found that improving how I use devices has really maximised and changed so many of those areas in a really good way.
How can people improve their digital habits?
I think the best piece of advice is to be intentional. Often, we use our device not for a purpose, but for a response to an uncomfortable emotion. And so, if we can be aware of the reason why we're doing that, we can start to build healthier behaviours and habits that improve the reason why we are using our devices.
“Being able to discern information is a real skill and something that is probably going to become more important as false information continues to grow on social media with AI.”
What advice would you give to young people trying to find their path in this world?
Often when we're asked what we want to do as a young person, we have to have a specific answer. I don't think that should be the case. Think about things that you really love to do and what are the underlying themes behind that. So many of my jobs I thought had to be specific, but probably the underlying theme was working in science and working with young people – that sort of sparked something that I really love doing. So, think about things that you are passionate about and the underlying themes behind that, and you'll be OK.
Why is Disrupting Disinformation an important theme to discuss in this year’s Future Careers Forum?
I think the diversity of thoughts online has made misinformation and disinformation even more accessible nowadays. Being able to discern information is a real skill and something that is probably going to become more important as false information continues to grow on social media with AI. I think so many careers have the ability to be involved in this misinformation/disinformation space. If we can begin to become better experts in digital literacy, we can navigate social media a lot more effectively.
What are you most excited about for the Future Careers Forum?
I'm mostly excited to work with so many young people across Australia and internationally. I think it's really important nowadays to hear young people's voices, especially on areas like misinformation and disinformation that mostly affect them.
For the first time, we’re a generation growing up with social media and navigating those challenges is something that generations before us have never faced. And so as young people, we're at the forefront of this issue. Why don't we be the ones who speak about it?
The Future Careers Forum: Disrupting Disinformation will be presented online on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. Teachers can register to watch the livestream or receive the recording to explore careers in communication, technology, research and storytelling, and their intersection with “truth”.
Find out more about Learning Experiences for secondary students at Science Gallery Melbourne.