Notes

The media landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of digital platforms and social media playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion. However, this has also led to an increase in the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. One pressing issue is the media literacy level of students in dealing with fake news. As digital natives, students are often the primary consumers of information online, making it essential for them to possess critical thinking skills and the ability to discern reliable sources from unreliable ones. The prevalence of fake news can have serious consequences, as it may influence decision-making, fuel polarization, and erode trust in institutions. Understanding the extent to which students are equipped to navigate and evaluate the credibility of information is vital for addressing this growing concern.

Moreover, the impact of fake news extends beyond individual decision-making to broader societal implications. Inaccurate information can contribute to the spread of misinformation on a global scale, potentially leading to social unrest, political instability, and public health crises. Therefore, assessing the media literacy level of students becomes not only an educational concern but also a crucial element in safeguarding the well-being of society at large. By identifying the gaps in students' ability to critically assess information and differentiating between reliable and misleading sources, educators and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to enhance media literacy education and empower students to be discerning consumers of information in the digital age.