rom consumers to creators: Social media information literacy of university students
Abstract
Social Media Information Literacy (SMIL) is increasingly important as social media platforms evolve. SMIL includes skills for navigating, evaluating, managing, creating, and engaging with social media content, aimed at effective information use and critical thinking. Using Heiss, Nanz and Matthes (2023) framework, this study surveyed 410 students via a self-assessment on a 5-point Likert scale. Results indicate students rated their SMIL as average, with the highest scores in appraisal and comprehension, and the lowest in digital creation. Female and senior students, as well as those in Education majors, rated themselves higher. Longer internet usage correlated with better SMIL, especially in digital creation and interaction. These findings inform strategies for enhancing SMIL, aiding universities in shaping effective digital literacy programs.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Web and Library Services
Literacy
Media
and Education
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Media Literacy Education
- Publisher
- University of Rhode Island
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 129–142
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN