*Fahad Salem Al-Anezi and Hasan Ahmed Bo Abbas
Department of Information Studies, College of Basic Education, The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait.
Volume: 17 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 66-85 | September 2025 | https://doi.org/10.54940/ss77982049 | PDF
Submission Date: 2025/08/12 | Revision Submission Date: 2025/09/26 | Acceptance Date: 2025/12/29
*Corresponding Author: fs.alenezi@paaet.edu.kw
Abstract
With the rising reliance on social media platforms as a primary source of information among Kuwaiti youth, the risk of exposure to fake news has increased, posing a dual digital and societal challenge. This study is motivated by the importance of understanding the relationship between the level of media and information literacy among youth and their capacity to resist this type of misinformation. The research aims to investigate the impact of this literacy in limiting the spread of fake news among youth aged [15 to 34] years. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, the study was conducted using two peer-reviewed questionnaires administered to a sample of 402 Kuwaiti youth participants. The findings revealed a statistically significant inverse relationship between media and information literacy and the sharing of fake news, where individuals with higher levels of literacy demonstrated a lower tendency to propagate misleading information. Furthermore, it was found that participants who had undergone educational or awareness programs related to this literacy possessed a greater capacity to distinguish between authentic and fake news. The study emphasizes the critical importance of integrating media and information literacy concepts into school curricula and launching effective awareness initiatives to enhance verification skills, thereby contributing to the development of a digitally conscious society resilient to media disinformation.
Keywords
Media Literacy, Information Literacy, Kuwaiti Youth, Fake News.
How to Cite
Al-Anezi, F., & Bo Abbas, H. (2025). Media and Information Literacy among Kuwaiti Youth and its Role in Combatting Fake News. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Social Sciences, 17(4), 66-85. https://doi.org/10.54940/ss77982049
License
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