Misinformation and public trust: Investigating the role of media literacy in combating fake news in the digital age

This study investigates the critical role of media literacy in combating misinformation and restoring public trust in the digital age. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and mixed-methods research, the study explores how misinformation proliferates on digital platforms, its impact on public trust, and the effectiveness of media literacy interventions. Key findings reveal that misinformation, fueled by algorithmic biases and echo chambers, significantly erodes trust in media, particularly in political and public health contexts. Media literacy emerges as a vital tool, equipping individuals to critically evaluate information, though structural changes in media ecosystems are also necessary. The study highlights the need for integrated approaches, including educational reforms, platform regulation, and media transparency, to address misinformation sustainably.