The PLATO initiative, which is led by JGU Mainz, brings together scientists from multiple German universities, research institutes and cooperating partners worldwide who research the impact of the Internet and social media on university students’ learning. Studies identify key characteristics of the information landscape that influence students’ learning paths, processing, and outcomes in selected domains of higher education. PLATO has been granted funding from the initiative fund of the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) (for more information, see PLATO-Website).