An Assessment of Media Education’s Role in Misinformation Combating-Competency

Abstract

With the rapid increase in internet penetration and the use of new media, the information ecosystem is becoming increasingly dynamic. The spread of misinformation has increased, creating a significant problem. College students are heavy users of the internet and social media in the Nepali context and are considered one of the most vulnerable groups due to their exposure to misinformation. This study examines the role of media education in enhancing students’ ability to identify, evaluate, and respond to misinformation. It assesses and analyzes perceptions of media literacy levels and the ways media education influences awareness, verification practices, and sharing behavior on social media. This qualitative research is guided by observation and is based on primary data collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with two groups of five students and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with three experts and media educators. The expected findings were that students with media education would be more competent in countering misinformation; they would show greater critical awareness, verify information more effectively, and be more responsible in information sharing. The findings confirm these expectations, contribute to broader academic discourse, and highlight the need for more effective media education and improved media literacy to counter misinformation and combat disinformation.