Media Literacy Research Articles

Media Literacy Interventions Improve Resilience to Misinformation: A Meta-Analytic Investigation of Overall Effect and Moderating Factors

The widespread dissemination of misinformation has become a global concern. A recommended solution is to improve people’s ability to discern true from false information through appropriate media literacy education programs. This meta-analysis quantitatively synthesized the results of 49 experimental studies ( N = 81,155) that examined the efficacy of media literacy interventions in mitigating misinformation. This study finds that media literacy interventions generally improve resilience to misinformation ( d = 0.60). Specifically, the interventions reduce belief in misinformation ( d = 0.27), improve misinformation discernment ( d = 0.76), and decrease misinformation sharing ( d = 1.04). Moreover, media literacy interventions have stronger effects (1) when multiple sessions rather than a single session are implemented, (2) in high (vs. low) uncertainty avoidance cultures, and (3) among college students than among adults recruited from online crowdsourcing platforms (e.g., Amazon Mechanical Turk). These findings enrich our understanding of inoculation theory and provide valuable guidance for the design of future media literacy intervention programs.

Mengurai Polarisasi Politik di Kalangan Milenial Peran Komunikasi dalam Pemilu

Abstract Political polarization among millennials has become an increasingly prominent challenge in recent years. This generation, which is a significant potential voter in the 2024 Election, is vulnerable to misleading political campaigns, hate speech and false information spread through social media and digital platforms. High levels of polarization can threaten social cohesion and hinder constructive dialogue in the democratic process. This research aims to explore the role of effective political communication and media literacy in unraveling political polarization among millennials in the 2024 elections. By using a mixed method, this research combines quantitative survey methods, qualitative studies with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, as well as media content analysis to provide a comprehensive picture of this issue. It is hoped that the research results can provide insight into effective political communication strategies, the importance of cross-group dialogue, and the role of media literacy and political education in reducing polarization among millennials. It is hoped that these findings can contribute to efforts to create a healthier and more constructive political environment in the 2024 elections and the democratic process as a whole. Keywords: Political Polarization, Political Communication, Media Literacy, Millennials, 2024 Election

Media Literacy and Its Potential Influence on Mpox-Related Perceptions and Prevention Intentions in China During the 2022 Multi-Country Outbreak of Mpox

ABSTRACT Media literacy plays an increasingly important role in health communication during public health emergencies. The present study aimed to investigate the level of media literacy and its association with disease perceptions and behavioral intentions of receiving vaccination services among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in China during the 2022 multi-country mpox outbreak. The data were from a large-scale cross-sectional survey conducted among 2,493 YMSM aged 18–29 years in six provincial regions in China in September 2022. A total of 2,079 YMSM who had obtained mpox information from social media platforms were included in this study. Correlation analysis and path analysis were conducted. The mean age of the sample was 24.7. After controlling for background variables, significant positive correlations were found in several pairs between media literacy, mpox-related perceptions (including perceived susceptibility to mpox, perceived severity of mpox, perceived benefits of mpox vaccination, and self-efficacy of receiving mpox vaccination), and the behavioral intention of receiving mpox vaccination. The mpox-related perceptions played a significant mediation role in the association between media literacy and intention of receiving mpox vaccination (indirect effect = 0.165, p < .001, effect size = 82.1%). Media literacy is crucial for developing disease perceptions during public health emergencies and may further influence the adoption of preventive measures. As social media platforms have become the main battle field of health communication during disease outbreaks, improvement of media literacy is urgently warranted.

Media Literacy in Times of Crisis

The contemporary younger generation is facing a multitude of changes and adversities stemming from prevalent political, military, and pandemic crises that have garnered substantial attention in the media. In light of these circumstances, Media Literacy and critical thinking are paramount in navigating the influx of information and discerning veracity from misinformation. The rationale behind selecting this demographic as the focal point lies in the discernible trend wherein young individuals often peruse news content on their mobile devices with minimal contemplation, relying exclusively on social media platforms devoid of journalistic filtration. As delineated by various investigations, this juncture in their lives is pivotal to cultivating critical thinking skills. Such skills empower the youth to engage in autonomous thought processes, make informed decisions, and assess the repercussions of their actions. The contribution presents the outcomes of the interviews conducted in Italy, Spain, and Portugal within the project YO-MEDIA on Media Literacy in times of crisis, addressing the attention of educators, teachers, stakeholders, and journalists.

To participate or not to participate? Influence mechanism of artificial intelligence on Chinese college students’ willingness to participate in online politics

This study probes the mechanism of artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) influence on Chinese college students’ willingness to participate in online politics and constructs a theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior. Through the analysis of questionnaire data acquired from up to 317 Chinese college students in total, it turns out that the use of AI affects Chinese college students’ willingness to the participation of online political practice significantly and positively, and such online political participation cognition of Chinese college students plays a mediating role, three aspects of which included as the followings on behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Additionly, media literacy level plays a moderating role in online political participation cognition and willingness to participate. All the findings highlight the importance of optimizing the online political participation environment, enhancing college students’ cognition of political participation, and improving media literacy in the context of the digital era, which provides practical guidance for promoting healthy and positive online political participation among college students.

Power Lines: Connecting with Teens in Urban Communities Through Media Literacy

Power Lines: Connecting with Teens in Urban Communities Through Media Literacy

(Mis)representations of Asian Americans in Storybird: A Bird’s Eye View

This paper explores the misrepresentation of Asian Americans in Storybird, an online platform where users publish creative writing. Through a qualitative analysis of five stories featuring Asian characters, the study identifies recurring stereotypes, such as cultural conservatism, physical biases, and societal pressures. These misrepresentations often reduce complex identities into cultural caricatures, perpetuating misleading perceptions of Asian Americans. By shedding light on these biases, the paper advocates for increased cultural sensitivity and the promotion of more nuanced portrayals. Recommendations include engaging Asian American creators and promoting media literacy among young writers to challenge existing stereotypes and foster more inclusive content.

Theoretical perspectives on digital literacy programs: A comparative study of initiatives in Africa and the United States

This review paper analyses digital literacy programs in Africa and the United States, highlighting the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementations across diverse socio-economic, cultural, and technological contexts. Examining key theoretical frameworks—Technological Literacy, Media Literacy, and Information Literacy—explores how these theories inform the design, execution, and evaluation of digital literacy initiatives. The analysis reveals both region-specific challenges and universal opportunities for enhancing digital literacy, emphasizing the need for contextually adapted, inclusive, and sustainable programs. Insights into policy implications and practical recommendations for practitioners are discussed alongside future research directions to deepen understanding and improve the effectiveness of digital literacy programs globally. This paper underscores the pivotal role of digital literacy in empowering individuals and fostering societal development in the digital age.

Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat ini berupa pelatihan public speaking pada mahasiswa Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia Universitas Musamus. Pelatihan public speaking ini berguna untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara mahasiswa di depan umum dan dapat meningkatkan nilai akademik mahasiswa. Kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini dilakukan di Universitas Musamus yang terletak di Kota Merauke. Kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini menggunakan metode ceramah

This community service activity was conducted in the form of a public lecture on introducing principles of critical media literacies to learners studying at the English Language Education Study Programme of Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa (UST), Yogyakarta. The public lecture was conducted at the Faculty of Teachers' Training and Education and was attended by as many as 37 learner participants from different semesters. Among the key contents of the session, the facilitator raised the participants' awareness that texts are never neutral. They are made by someone, somewhere, for some reason. They are created from a particular perspective to tell particular messages. The participants were also facilitated to realise that various media around them such as movies, TV series, news, and advertisements are also ‘texts’ that are not free from the influences of the authors behind them. By the end of the lecture, as seen from the question-and-answer session, it can be seen that the participants have been successfully facilitated to have a certain degree of critical media literacies. Despite the possible limitations, this community service activity could pave the way for more endeavours to facilitate prospective teachers to be critically literate, and able to facilitate their future students to be able to do so as well in the future.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ISSUES OF IMPROVING NATIONAL LEGISLATION ON COUNTERING EXTREMISM

The article examines the legislation of foreign countries – China, Moldova, Belarus, dedicated to countering extremism, as well as the provisions of the Model Law «On Countering Extremism» adopted at the thirty-second plenary session of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS member States; the concepts of «extremism» and «terrorism» in national legislation are analyzed. The authors note that the definition of the concept of «extremism» in the current Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Countering Extremism» has a number of disadvantages that contribute to the confusion of the concepts of «extremism» and «terrorism». This, in turn, generates a number of conflicts in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: some crimes can be attributed to both extremism and terrorism. And ultimately, this can lead to a distortion of statistics on these crimes. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, it is proposed to introduce a number of novelties into the national legislation on countering extremism, including a new article regulating prosecutor's supervision as the highest supervision in the field of countering extremism. The authors assign an important place in countering extremism to its prevention. Special attention should be paid to preventive measures among schoolchildren and young people as the most vulnerable and psychologically immature part of the population. In particular, a tangible effect is expected from the introduction of the relevant subject into both the school curriculum and the university education system. In general, among the measures to counter extremism, the authors highlight the improvement of legislation; public involvement in countering extremism; initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, increasing media literacy and strengthening interpersonal ties.

Digital Media Literacy as a Motivational Strategy Learning Interest and Digital Competence in Pitu Riase 3 State Junior High School Students

This study aims to identify and describe: 1) Strategies for utilizing digital media literacy in motivating the learning interest of SMP Negeri 3 Pitu Riase students, and 2) Digital competence of SMP Negeri 3 Pitu Riase students in managing knowledge and accessing the information on the internet. This research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The findings of this study are as follows. 1) The strategy to motivate students' interest in learning at SMP Negeri 3 Pitu Riase in using digital media begins with knowing the interest in learning from learning outcomes and the existence of motivation from parents. Then to motivate interest in learning, this is done in several ways including, namely, innovating in learning, compiling teaching materials, and applications that are appropriate to the situation and conditions. The need for the effectiveness of digital media in motivating students' learning interest can be seen from its benefits in the learning process, namely, helping passive students and helping present information and instructions. 2) The digital literacy competence of SMP Negeri 3 Pitu Riase students still lacks understanding related to digital competence. This is because of the four indicators of digital literacy competence, only one can be understood by students, namely the ability to search on the Internet (Internet Searching), while the ability to use Hypertextual Navigation, Evaluating Information Content (Content Evaluation) and Compilation of Knowledge (Knowledge) Assembly) still needs improvement and understanding related to digital competence.

Media Literacy and Fact-Checking as Proactive and Reactive Responses to Misinformation in Kenya and Senegal

ABSTRACT This study examines how media professionals in Kenya and Senegal respond to misinformation using fact-checking and media literacy strategies and how they perceive these strategies for mitigating the spread of misinformation. We conducted 42 semi-structured in-depth interviews with people belonging to one of the following three groups: individuals employed in the news media such as journalists, reporters and editors; individuals working for either independent fact-checking organisations or doing fact-checking within the newsrooms of online and offline media; and individuals engaged in media policymaking. Findings indicate that media professionals in both Senegal and Kenya employ fact-checking strategies such as cross-checking information from primary, secondary and expert sources and verifying images and videos using reverse image search as reactive strategies. Consistent with inoculation theory, participants also promote media literacy as a proactive strategy to equip media producers and consumers with the knowledge and skills to critically engage with media content. Lastly, journalists, fact-checkers and policymakers lauded fact-checking and media literacy as effective strategies for mitigating the spread of misinformation, suggesting that both strategies should be used simultaneously to empower both media consumers and producers against misinformation.

MEASURING PEDAGOGICAL-DIDACTICAL MEDIA LITERACY COMPETENCIES OF EFL TEACHERS

Media literacy competencies have become increasingly vital in the contemporary educational landscape due to the pervasive role of digital media in communication, information dissemination, and social interaction. This study measures the pedagogical and didactic competencies of 400 EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers in secondary schools regarding their ability to teach media literacy. Utilising a web-based questionnaire, the research assesses teachers’ proficiency in various instructional strategies, ranging from basic technical instruction to advanced critical and participatory teaching methods. The findings indicate a high level of competency among teachers in imparting technical skills related to media device usage, whereas competencies in fostering critical awareness and encouraging participation in public debate through media were less developed. The study underscores the necessity for a comprehensive media literacy curriculum that balances technical instruction with critical thinking and communication skills. Limitations of the study include potential biases inherent in self-reported data and the absence of contextual insights from naturalistic observations. Future research should incorporate longitudinal and observational methodologies to validate these findings and examine the integration of AI tools in media literacy education. This research provides a foundational understanding of current teaching practices and competencies, offering valuable insights for the enhancement of media literacy education strategies.

A Health Media Literacy Intervention Increases Skepticism of Both Inaccurate and Accurate Cancer News Among U.S. Adults.

Inaccurate cancer news can have adverse effects on patients and families. One potential way to minimize this is through media literacy training-ideally, training tailored specifically to the evaluation of health-related media coverage. We test whether an abbreviated health-focused media literacy intervention improves accuracy discernment or sharing discernment for cancer news headlines and also examine how these outcomes compare to the effects of a generic media literacy intervention. We employ a survey experiment conducted using a nationally representative sample of Americans (N = 1,200). Respondents were assigned to either a health-focused media literacy intervention, a previously tested generic media literacy intervention, or the control. They were also randomly assigned to rate either perceived accuracy of headlines or sharing intentions. Intervention effects on accurate and inaccurate headline ratings were tested using OLS regressions at the item-response level, with standard errors clustered on the respondent and with headline fixed effects. We find that the health-focused media literacy intervention increased skepticism of both inaccurate (a 5.6% decrease in endorsement, 95% CI [0.1%, 10.7%]) and accurate (a 7.6% decrease, 95% CI [2.4%, 12.8%]) news headlines, and accordingly did not improve discernment between the two. The health-focused media literacy intervention also did not significantly improve sharing discernment. Meanwhile, the generic media literacy intervention had little effect on perceived accuracy outcomes, but did significantly improve sharing discernment. These results suggest further intervention development and refinement are needed before scaling up similarly targeted health information literacy tools, particularly focusing on building trust in legitimate sources and accurate content.

Content Discrepancies on Social Media Pages: Addressing the Awareness of Doom-scrolling in the Context of News and the Increasing Need for Media Literacy to Emerge in Private and Public Spheres

Adolescence is a stage of life that affects not only shapes our perception of the world, but also our mental and physiological well-being, which makes it incredibly important that the kind of social media we are exposed to is regulated, unbiased, and ultimately- free from inconsistencies and discrepancies. This study reviews recent findings by the methods of Survey Research and Statistical Analysis, on how conflicting media narratives contribute to increased anxiety, confusion, and skewed perceptions among adolescents. It also addresses the role of media literacy in alleviating these issues, noting that many young individuals struggle with evaluating information credibility and identifying biases. The hypothesis- that discrepancies in media coverage have psychological effects on adolescents, is ultimately proven in the study. However, awareness of these psychological effects is not enough. It reports that while adolescents are aware of frequent disturbances in their mental and physiological reactions, and while the majority of respondents agree on the need for media literacy, there still exists a tendency to ignore and sideline this need. They continue to recognise yet disregard media discrepancies.

Analyzing factors influencing student engagement in an educative social media platform

ABSTRACT 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.

Book Review: Media Literacy for Young Children: Teaching Beyond the Screen Time Debate by Faith Rogow

Faith Rogow’s book, Media Literacy for Young Children: Teaching Beyond the Screen Time Debate, addresses the pervasive role of media in contemporary society and culture, emphasizing its crucial integration into early childhood education. Rogow advocates for a paradigm shift in how educators approach media literacy, moving beyond traditional concerns of health and safety toward cultivating critical inquiry skills. By reframing media as a tool for learning and development rather than solely as a potential risk, the book challenges educators to guide young children effectively in navigating today’s media landscape.

The Mediating Effect of Organizational Communication Climate on Media Literacy and Communication Competence of Higher Education Institution Teachers

This study explored the mediating role of organizational communication climate on the relationship between media literacy and communication competence among higher education institution teachers. Using a quantitative, non-experimental correlational design, data were gathered from 200 professors at Higher Education Institutions in Davao City through purposive sampling and online surveys. The researcher employed statistical tools such as mean, Pearson r, and medgraph with Sobel Z-test. The findings revealed high levels of media literacy and organizational communication climate, while communication competence was found to be very high. Significant relationships were identified between media literacy and communication competence, as well as between organizational communication climate and communication competence. However, no significant relationship was observed between media literacy and organizational communication climate. Additionally, organizational communication climate was found to partially mediate the relationship between media literacy and communication competence among the teachers.

Media Health Literacy in Spanish Nursing Students: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Amidst current misinformation, media literacy is an essential competency for nursing professionals. This study aimed to analyze the level of media health literacy among Spanish undergraduate nursing students, stratifying the results by gender, region, and other associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at five Spanish universities (N = 416) using the Spanish version of the Media Health Literacy (MeHLit-SV) Questionnaire. Students presented an average media health literacy score of 48.73 points. The media health literacy level was significantly higher among students from universities in the central and northeastern regions of Spain (ANOVA Test, p = 0.0002), those who had previously studied in a city (ANOVA Test, p = 0.001), those who combined their studies with employment (ANOVA Test, p = 0.001), and those residing in communities with fewer than 500 inhabitants (ANOVA Test, p = 0.001). No differences were found based on gender. The media health literacy level of the students was deficient and varied according to socio-economic and socio-educational factors. Understanding the literacy level of future nurses and promoting the inclusion of this competency in their education will enable them to become leaders in improving the population's health self-care.

Media competence in the early, primary and secondary education curriculum: presence and progression in Latin America

ABSTRACT The aim of the present article is to analyse the presence and curricular progress of the learning objectives associated with the different dimensions of Media Competence (MC), encompassing the stages of early to secondary education, in the study plans from 18 Latin American Countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. Through a content analysis of 161 curricular texts, 85 learning objectives were identified associated with eight dimensions of MC. Among the notable findings, there is a trend towards the inclusion of certain dimensions of MC, such as the processes of comprehension and use and adaptation of technology, while other dimensions such as interculturality, received less attention. Also, the curricular proposal from Uruguay is noteworthy, as it distinguishes itself for having the most objectives, being the only country in the region that explicitly integrated Media and Information Literacy. Likewise, a platform is provided that allows policy writers, educators, researchers, and other key actors to access current information on the presence of MC in the curricula of each country analysed.