The Role of Media Literacy in Combating Fake News: Insights from Malaysian Youth

Nazim Bin Abdul Rahim and Normal Md Jusoh
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Nazim Bin Abdul Rahim: Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Advertising Department, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Normal Md Jusoh: Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Advertising Department, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 13, 98-101

Abstract: Fake news is a pervasive issue in the digital era, with far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. Media literacy has emerged as a critical competency in addressing the spread of misinformation. This study examines the role of media literacy in combating fake news among Malaysian youth, emphasizing their social media usage and vulnerability to misinformation. Employing the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and the Media Dependency Theory (MDT) as theoretical frameworks, this research highlights the relationship between media literacy levels and the ability to identify and counter fake news. Data gathered through a mixed-methods approach reveal that targeted media literacy programs can significantly enhance critical thinking skills, empowering youth to make informed decisions in digital spaces. This paper contributes to the growing discourse on fostering media literacy as a strategy to combat misinformation in Malaysia, aligning with efforts to educate users on verifying news authenticity—a key focus of the author’s ongoing PhD research.

Date: 2025
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