Reducing the Damage of Cyberspace on Young People Through Media Literacy

Abstract

Nowadays, the development of information and communication technology has a significant role in human life. Fundamental changes due to the emergence of information and communications technologies are considerable in different spheres of individual and social life. Media messages in the era of globalization are the most important contemporary challenges. The aim of this study is to provide an effective approach in reducing damage to young people in virtual space. The research method involved a non-systematic review via a main keyword search in important and useful databases and an extensive literature review. The findings of the study have confirmed that media literacy is an effective approach in reducing the damage of virtual space on the younger generation. One of requirements of globalization is the need for education and training to prepare young people to face the unpredictable challenges of life. Media literacy skills should be included in the education system to deal with the negative effects of media in young people as they are active audiences who perceive messages, decrypt and evaluate them.