Formation of critical thinking in schoolchildren in the context of the digital environment

The thesis examines scientific research and publications concerning the influence of mass media on the development of critical thinking in children, particularly their capacity for information analysis and the impact of manipulative media technologies.It is argued that social media can serve as an effective instrument for fostering analytical skills by providing interactivity, access to diverse information sources, and opportunities for participation in discussions.However, the effectiveness of this process is largely determined by students' level of digital literacy, their ability to critically evaluate information, and their preparedness to counter manipulative influences.