Strengthening Media and Information Literacy to Combat Digital Misinformation

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital misinformation has become a significant challenge to information integrity, public trust, and informed decision making in contemporary digital societies. This study aims to examine the development of research on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as a strategic approach to combating digital misinformation through a systematic literature review integrated with bibliometric analysis. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 framework, while bibliometric mapping was conducted using VOSviewer to identify publication trends, collaboration patterns, keyword relationships, and thematic evolution. The findings indicate a substantial increase in scholarly attention to Media and Information Literacy, with research progressively expanding from digital literacy and information evaluation toward artificial intelligence, fact checking, digital citizenship, and misinformation resilience. Keyword mapping reveals that Media and Information Literacy serves as the central concept linking educational, technological, and communication perspectives. The study highlights the growing importance of integrating critical thinking, information verification, ethical digital participation, and artificial intelligence literacy into comprehensive literacy frameworks. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for educators, policymakers, researchers, and digital platform stakeholders seeking to strengthen societal resilience against digital misinformation.