The Interdependence of Socio-economic Factors and Media Literacy: Focus on Critical Media Content Analysis and Evaluation

Abstract Media literacy is of fundamental importance for democracy, as it enables individuals to better navigate the complexity of digital media, critically evaluate media content and assess the trustworthiness of media representations. By promoting media literacy, societies can counter disinformation, misinformation, oversimplifications and manipulative practices in public discourse, thereby safeguarding principles of informed citizens’ engagement. Structural position of the individual in the socio-economic environment affects their media literacy. As individuals navigate their behaviour, they often draw upon social norms, roles and expectations as reference points for what is considered appropriate conduct. Thus, while individuals exercise agency in their behaviour, their choices contribute to the maintenance and reinforcement of the social structure. In this article, we examine the relationship between socio-economic factors and media literacy, with a particular focus on how an individual’s socio -economic standing influences their ability to critically analyse and evaluate media content. We emphasise that the socio-economic context not only impacts media literacy but also shapes social behaviour in ways that reinforces existing socio -economic boundaries.