The potential for media literacy to combat misinformation: results of a rapid evidence assessment

Anstead, Nick ORCID: 0000-0002-1090-5271, Edwards, Lee ORCID: 0000-0001-6542-1234, Livingstone, Sonia ORCID: 0000-0002-3248-9862 and Stoilova, Mariya ORCID: 0000-0001-9601-7146 (2025) The potential for media literacy to combat misinformation: results of a rapid evidence assessment. International Journal of Communication, 19. 2129 – 2151. ISSN 1932-8036

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Abstract

Academics, policy makers, and social media platforms have engaged with media literacy responses to misinformation. To examine the effectiveness of specific strategies, we conducted a rapid evidence assessment of research conducted between 2011 and 2021, focusing on the intersection of media literacy and misinformation. The analysis revealed the effectiveness of certain types of media literacy intervention, notably strategies that prompt conscious and rational engagement with content and develop critical thinking skills. The effects of interventions varied over time, and the complexity of media and information environments suggests that this variability will persist. The literature contained multiple definitions of misinformation and media literacy, making it hard to draw wider conclusions or comparative insights across studies. We conclude that future research should employ more robust methodologies, including a wider variety of platforms and more inclusive sampling of vulnerable and marginalized populations, as well as extending research into global majority countries.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Media and Communications
Subjects:	H Social Sciences L Education
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2024 07:30
Last Modified:	01 Jul 2025 10:12
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/124341

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