Information Literacy in the Digital Age: Evaluating the Role of New Media vs. Mainstream Media in Fostering Civic Engagement of University Students in Pakistan

This study explores Pakistani university students’ construction of information literacy skills, and the practicability of these skills in the context of the media scape, information culture, and society. Students (n=450) were selected from Pakistan's largest universities through convenience sampling. Variables were verified through paired-samples t-tests. Findings revealed that the majority of the students perceive information to be definitive and objective, while a minority of students acknowledge the interpretive completion of information. Students were found to be more active participants in interactive media activities than in the critical evaluation of media content. Similarly, mainstream media like Radio and Magazines were found moderately influential in fostering civic engagement, while Television and Newspapers were ranking lower. It is recommended that information literacy and civic engagement be part of university curricula to foster their significance among students