MEDIA LITERACY AND INFORMATION CULTURE AS KEY COMPONENTS OF MODERN EDUCATION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In the era of digital globalization and rapidly expanding information flows, media literacy and information culture have become fundamental competencies required for effective participation in modern society. The increasing influence of mass media, social networks, and digital platforms has significantly transformed the ways individuals receive, interpret, and disseminate information. At the same time, the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and manipulative content poses serious threats to social stability, democratic values, and individual decision-making. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of media literacy and information culture as interconnected concepts, examines their theoretical foundations, and explores their role in modern education systems. Particular attention is paid to the educational, social, and ethical dimensions of media literacy development. The article emphasizes that fostering a high level of information culture through systematic media literacy education is essential for developing critical thinking, responsible information behavior, and sustainable societal development.