Media Literacy as an Instrument for Controlling Disinformation and Hoaxes in the Digital Public Space of Contemporary Society

Abstract

The expansion of the digital public sphere has broadened access to information while simultaneously intensifying the circulation of disinformation and hoaxes that threaten the quality of public discourse and democratic processes. This study aims to examine the role of media literacy as an instrument for controlling disinformation and hoaxes in contemporary society. Employing a qualitative approach through library research, this study analyzes scholarly books, reputable national and international journal articles, and relevant official documents published over the past decade. The findings indicate that media literacy is effective in enhancing citizens’ critical engagement with digital information, reducing susceptibility to believing and sharing false content, and functioning optimally as a context-sensitive preventive strategy. This study concludes that media literacy constitutes a strategic instrument for strengthening societal resilience to disinformation and carries important implications for the development of educational policies and public communication strategies in the digital era.