Media Literacy as Resilience: A Conceptual Framework

Olga Pasitselska and Annamária Neag
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Olga Pasitselska: Research Centre for Media and Journalism Studies, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Annamária Neag: Research Centre for Media and Journalism Studies, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Media and Communication, 2026, vol. 14

Abstract: Throughout the years, media literacy has been considered an aid for many societal ills in the Western world: from fighting against stereotypical representations of different (marginalized) groups to combating mis- and disinformation. However, these educational initiatives build upon a Western view of the world, and do not take into account issues faced by societies in permanent crisis. The aim of this article is to propose a conceptual framework called H.E.L.P. that positions media literacy as a form of resilience in areas fraught with wars, migration, famine, climate catastrophe, and other adversities. In the H.E.L.P. framework, we identify four core elements: habit (focusing on media use and media environment); escapism (focusing on entertainment and media avoidance); listening (discussing attentiveness to affective and bodily reactions); and participation (highlighting active engagement with media). We discuss implications for media literacy research and provide guidelines for practitioners.

Keywords: crisis; disinformation; media literacy; refugees; resilience; Russian-Ukrainian war (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:meanco:v14:y:2026:a:11458

DOI: 10.17645/mac.11458

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