The Influence of Social Media Literacy and Challenges on Youth Small Medium Entrepreneurs in Sindh, Pakistan

The relevance of the article. Branding and image play a key role for libraries, which in the XXI century have transformed from traditional repositories of knowledge into modern information and cultural centers. Thanks to the introduction of technological innovations and adaptation to new social challenges, libraries have become important institutions that provide access to knowledge, support education, promote social integration and actively involve communities in modern life. Today, the library brand is the main communication tool that not only represents its “face” and distinguishes it from others, but also forms the desired image of the organization, evoking positive emotions in users. The positive perception of the library, user loyalty and popularity of its services depend on the quality of the brand. To maintain competitiveness and attract new audiences, libraries must adapt to modern realities and actively apply innovative approaches to branding and image formation. The purpose of the article is to study new trends in branding and image formation of library institutions in Ukraine, which arise in response to changes in the information society, social challenges that have arisen with the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine, the development of digital technologies and the shift in emphasis in user needs. The methodology. To achieve the set goal, literature analysis was used (review of scientific papers and publications related to library branding); comparative analysis (comparison of library branding practices in Ukraine and abroad); case studies (study of successful examples of the implementation of new approaches in library branding). The results. In the 2020s Ukrainian libraries continue to adapt to new realities and challenges, introducing new trends in their branding. These changes occur in the context of both global trends and specific Ukrainian needs, especially against the backdrop of socio-political challenges. The Russian-Ukrainian war significantly changed the mission of libraries, which have become important centers of support for the population, preservation of national memory and counteraction to information threats. Libraries integrate patriotic values into their brand, strengthening their role as defenders of national identity. Libraries are actively implementing media literacy programs to help users distinguish fake news from reality, strengthening their image in the fight against information aggression. In addition, libraries play an important role in supporting local communities, providing a safe space for communication and organizing volunteer initiatives. This increases their significance in the social infrastructure and forms a positive image through concrete actions for the benefit of the community. Libraries are becoming centers for preserving materials about the war and heroes, which helps to form collective memory. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the comprehensive approach to the analysis of modern trends in the branding of libraries in Ukraine. The study focuses on the influence of new technologies, social media and inclusivity on the formation of the image of libraries. In addition, the article offers new concepts for adapting libraries to modern conditions. The practical significance. The materials and conclusions of the study can be used to develop the branding and image of library institutions. Conclusions. In the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ukrainian libraries are transforming, performing new functions of supporting the population and countering information aggression. The changes have opened up new opportunities for the mission and branding of libraries: reformatting and adapting the mission; digitalization; countering disinformation; social support; preserving historical memory, preparing for restoration.

Although current literature has extensively discussed media literacy processes, few theories exist explaining the role of social media literacy. Social media are used daily by a substantial number of young people and may exert an important influence on its users’ well-beings. Considering media literacy, media effects, social psychology, interpersonal communication and educational literature, a novel theoretical framework called the Social Media Literacy (SMILE) model is introduced. This framework was formulated to explain (1) how to conceptualize social media literacy, (2) how social media literacy can change the dynamics between social media and its users and (3) how participatory mediation processes result into social media literacy. The SMILE-model is illustrated against the background of the social media positivity bias. Ultimately, the newly developed guiding framework aims to stimulate more theory-driven research into the scholarly understanding of social media literacy in well-being. Such insights may especially be useful for research in the field of children, adolescents and the media.

The integration of social media into religious practices exhibits a complex dichotomy. On one side, social media is primarily driven by the principles of virality, popular appeal, and commercial interests. Conversely, religious traditions emphasize silence, peace, and tranquillity. Initially, social media served as a communication medium and enhanced religious knowledge within communities. However, its use has evolved towards cultivating personal and collective identities. The passion to increase religious knowledge and gain religious experience is disrupted by the desire for artificial physical appearances shared in social media groups. This research aims to describe and analyze the use of social media among recitation women in Tangerang, Banten. This research utilized observation, interviews, and intertextuality as data collection and analysis techniques. This study indicates that the engagement of recitation women with social media necessitates religious and social media literacy. A lack of proficiency in these areas could adversely affect the quality of social media interactions, as social media platforms are inherently non-neutral and are influenced by particular ideologies and interests. Consequently, recitation women must adopt a discerning and critical approach to assess the incoming and disseminated content on social media.

The concept of media literacy has developed into a sophisticated and dynamic field which attracts researchers from social science disciplines including communication and education. Multiple scholars have tried to define media literacy, but their definitions show both disciplinary viewpoints and changing communication requirements. The emergence of new media and multimodal communication requires a redefinition of current media literacy frameworks. This research conducts a systematic review of media literacy and new media literacy research to identify major similarities and differences and emerging trends through qualitative analysis of academic studies. The article examines the educational aspects of social media through multiple academic disciplines. Social media literacy requires immediate attention, yet experts disagree about the essential principles needed to develop educational programs. The main difference between traditional media literacy and new media literacy lies in their focus on content analysis versus user-generated content creation. The research provides a fresh understanding of social media literacy by identifying both commonalities and distinctions between media literacy and social media literacy.

Introduction to “Psychology, Global Threats, Social Challenge, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: European Perspectives”

In the context of Social Media literacy, the success of educational interventions relies on designing motivational learning environments that seek students’ engagement. Despite existing achievements in social media education to include more appealing resources (e.g. gamification, authentic learning, interactive simulations), limited research has explored the factors that influence students’ engagement. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence engagement in an educational social media platform. Specifically, the factors that shape interest and enjoyment in Instareal, an educational tool that combines narrative scripts and collaborative learning flow patterns to educate teenagers about social media risks and challenges. To answer our research questions, we analyze the log data generated by high school students (N = 100) who tested a Social Media Literacy training with the support of Instareal. A factor analysis and a backward stepwise regression is performed over a dataset containing students’ traces of online activities and social interactions. The results show that factors such as the social participation of the students (comments, likes), curiosity (opening profiles, following others), and the quality of their answers influence interest and enjoyment within the platform. The results of this study offer new insights into measuring and enhancing student engagement when using educational social media environments.

Social media literacy protects against the negative impact of exposure to appearance ideal social media images in young adult women but not men

This research investigates the impact of content moderation policies on the spread of hoax news on social media platforms in Indonesia, employing a normative legal analysis approach. The study examines the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks, such as the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law), and evaluates content moderation mechanisms employed by both the government and social media platforms. Findings indicate that while the ITE Law provides a legal basis for addressing misinformation, its vague provisions and potential for misuse have raised concerns regarding freedom of speech. Additionally, content moderation efforts by the government and social media platforms face challenges due to technological limitations, inconsistent enforcement, and a lack of public awareness. The study also highlights the need for a more integrated, multi-stakeholder approach to combat hoax news effectively. The research concludes that while current content moderation policies have had some success, their full impact is constrained by legal, technological, and social challenges. To improve the effectiveness of these policies, the study recommends clearer legal frameworks, enhanced technological capabilities, increased media literacy, and stronger coordination among stakeholders.

“My critical filter buffers your app filter”: Social media literacy as a protective factor for body image

Social media has become inseparable from Generation Z. However, Gen-Z's use of social media has not been accompanied by strong literacy skills. The majority of Generation Z is still unaware of how social media works. Gen-Z, known as digital natives, are often called digital navies. As a result, social media literacy is an important skill for Gen-Z, particularly in Indonesia. The government has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve social media literacy. However, the government’s efforts need to be supported by other actors, including churches. This paper explained church can role in improving social media literacy among Gen-Z in Indonesia. The author used qualitative research methods, specifically case studies and literature studies, as well as the theory of faith-based media literacy education. This paper found that there are a number of roles that churches can play in supporting the improvement of social media literacy in Gen-Z in Indonesia, one of which is implementing a media mindfulness strategy.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between social intelligence and media literacy of senior high school students. A correlational design was used in this study. It was participated by 300 senior high school students. A survey questionnaire on social intelligence and media literacy were used as instruments. Mean and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. This study revealed that social intelligence of students is high which means that students can read other people and understand their intentions and motivations. Likewise, media literacy of senior high school students is high which implies students are good in perceiving the use of media and are aware of its negative and positive use. Furthermore, there is a moderate positive correlation between social intelligence and media literacy. This may further imply that a higher social intelligence can improve media literacy. Thus, the conduct of social intelligence enhancement program is recommended to improve the media literacy of the students.

Social media life is where communication and individuals and communities are characterized through social media networks. Concerns about the adverse effects of social media have directed public attention to media literacy as a potential solution. The SMILE Model is an effort to equip social media literacy that can influence social media use (in terms of exposure and self-expression), ultimately positively impacting individual/adolescent well-being. The results showed that most respondents preferred video content and a combination of video and text. Influencers' influence also influenced the use of social media, but only 25% of respondents felt that influencers had a significant impact on their use. Good social media literacy involves cognitive understanding and emotional regulation to improve emotional well-being. Balanced and healthy social media use can reduce loneliness and increase social support.

In the digital era, the forwarding of false health rumors by netizens causes secondary dissemination of information, leading to its fission-like spread and bringing serious social problems. Based on an empirical survey of Chinese netizens, this paper aims to explore how social media dependency and media literacy affect netizens' willingness to forward health rumors. Data analysis found that social media dependency has a significant positive impact on forwarding willingness, social media literacy has a significant negative impact, and social media literacy has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between social media dependency and forwarding willingness. As the level of netizens' social media literacy changes, the impact of social media dependency on the forwarding willingness is no longer a simple linear positive correlation. High social media literacy will weaken its positive promoting effect and even make it show a negative change.

Background Social media has become the primary source of entertainment, information, and news for adolescents. Influencers play a key role in this new information environment as content providers, with a large number of followers. While they can motivate and inform young people about health topics, they may also share questionable information driven by commercial interests. This scoping review aims to synthesize existing literature on the benefits and challenges influencers represent for adolescents’ health. Methods The review followed the PRISMA-ScR approach, with predetermined databases, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a search string developed. The review produced 1699 items, and after duplicate removal, title, abstract, and full-text screening, 51 articles were included. Along the topic of adolescents’ health and social media influencers, prevalent benefits and challenges were synthesized from the 51 articles. Results Identified challenges (n = 41) revolved around regulating influencer marketing, adapting laws to social media environments, enforcing existing laws, and strengthening social media literacy among adolescents and professionals. Benefits (n = 21) included tailoring health campaigns to social media environments and target groups with influencers and using the authenticity and trustworthiness of influencers to increase range and engagement with health information. Conclusions Most challenges focus on regulation and policy efforts rather than harnessing the advantages of influencers for health campaigns on social media. Health professionals need to expand and adapt their skills and content to cater to these new information environments. Key messages • Introducing and enforcing policies to regulate influencers and to increase media literacy among adolescents and professionals pose major challenges. • Influencers are capable of providing authentic and trustworthy channels, as well as expertise, for social media health campaigns.

Background: The rapid growth of social media platforms has fundamentally changed how individuals access, create, and share information. These platforms now serve as key sources of news, entertainment, and social engagement, presenting advantages and challenges to people and communities. As social media influences public discussions and the dissemination of information, the importance of media literacy in effectively navigating the intricate digital media environment has become increasingly clear. Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between social media dynamics and media literacy, focusing on how users engage with content, develop their viewpoints, and participate in online dialogues. Methods: This research employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing insights from communication studies, psychology, and information science to thoroughly examine the changing media landscape and its implications for democratic participation. Results: The results showed that the majority of respondents used social media daily, mainly for entertainment, while only a minority felt comfortable openly voicing opinions. Social media influences democratic engagement, affecting political and social participation, although opinion change is still variable. Media literacy awareness is low, with most relying on the credibility of sources or seeking supporting information to verify content. Conclusion: Media literacy is essential for countering disinformation, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging responsible digital citizenship. Implications: This research emphasises the importance of media literacy education to improve critical thinking, counteract disinformation, and encourage responsible digital citizenship to create a more aware and participatory democratic society.