Exploring Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills among University Students: A Survey on Their Approaches to Analysing News and Information

In today’s media environment, young people encounter the challenge of navigating an intricate ecosystem filled with misinformation and disinformation. As the digital landscape continues to expand, the ability to critically evaluate news and information has become essential. Media literacy plays a pivotal role in equipping students with critical thinking skills to assess media content, identify biases, and discern credible information from falsehoods. This study investigates the application of critical thinking skills in media literacy among university students through a comprehensive survey. The survey assesses students’ tendencies to analyse context, identify dependencies between diverse information sources, and interpret nuances in media content. Results indicate a significant proportion of students actively engage in higher-level critical thinking processes. However, a notable segment remains neutral or less engaged, highlighting opportunities for targeted educational interventions. The findings underscore the importance of fostering media literacy and critical thinking skills within higher education to enhance students’ ability to navigate complex media environments effectively.