РОЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ МЕРЕЖ У РОЗВИТКУ КРИТИЧНОГО МИСЛЕННЯ ШКОЛЯРІВ: Даниляк Р. З., Даниляк Ю. І.

The article analyzes scientific research and publications on the influence of mass media on the development of children's critical thinking, on their ability to analyze information, and on manipulative technologies in the media Ukrainian scientists emphasize that children's access to various sources of information without appropriate training in critical analysis skills can contribute to the formation of stereotypical thinking and increase the risk of disinformation. It has been found that social media can be an effective tool for developing analytical skills due to interactivity, access to various sources of information, and the opportunity to participate in discussions, but this process depends on the level of digital literacy of schoolchildren, their ability to evaluate information, and counteract manipulation. It analyzes how algorithmic personalization affects children's ability to critically evaluate information, what manipulation mechanisms are used in social networks to reinforce cognitive biases, and what educational strategies can help overcome these challenges. This study will allow us to propose a more holistic approach to developing critical thinking in children in a digital environment. Various forms of manipulation in social networks are highlighted, the main threats to critical thinking: algorithmic content segregation and "information bubbles", manipulative content and disinformation, the development of clip thinking, the effect of mass influence and groupthink, and how this affects teenagers is emphasized. Ways to improve critical thinking through social networks are considered, namely, effective strategies that can help teenagers improve critical thinking through social networks are described: developing fact-checking skills, forming a habit of analyzing content, participating in discussions and developing reasoned thinking, using educational content on social networks. It has been proven that social networks can be an effective tool for developing critical thinking if students have the skills to analyze information, fact-check, and recognize manipulation.