Research Summary: Technology, education and critical media literacy: potential, challenges, and opportunities

A recent study investigates the impact of technology on media education, media literacy, and educommunication, with a focus on developing critical competencies and critical media literacy. The research, based on interviews with experts and a survey of university students, highlights how technological advancements contribute to challenges such as disinformation, fake news, incidental information exposure, and deepfakes, while also presenting educational opportunities.

Why it matters

The pervasive influence of technology on information consumption and the rise of complex challenges like deepfakes and disinformation necessitate a strategic re-evaluation of educational approaches. Cultivating critical media literacy is crucial for individuals to navigate increasingly complex information environments, impacting decision-making across all levels of society.

Key insights

• Technology significantly influences media education, media literacy, and educommunication.
• The study explores perceptions of these fields among both students and academic experts.
• A primary focus is on the development of critical competencies and critical media literacy.
• Technological advances are linked to challenges in information consumption, including disinformation, fake news, incidental exposure, and deepfakes.
• These challenges are concurrently viewed as opportunities within educational contexts.

Source

arXiv — Computers and Society — https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.10778