A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY DATA ON DIGITAL LITERACY AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR AGAINST YELLOW JOURNALISM IN YOUTH

This study abstract investigates how digital literacy can be an essential safeguard against yellow journalism'simpact on youth. Even though they are frequently adept at the technical facets of online interaction, many youngpeople lack the critical thinking abilities needed to discern trustworthy information from sensational andfraudulent content. With an emphasis on cognitive, behavioral, and emotional pathways, this study synthesizes awide range of secondary literature to examine the ways in which digital literacy functions as a protective buffer.The results show a strong correlation between resilience against misinformation and comprehensive digitalliteracy, which includes critical thinking, evaluating sources, and understanding media biases. The study alsoidentifies socioeconomic inequalities and constraints in the educational system as major obstacles to learningthese skills. In its strategic recommendations for building youth resilience, the abstract highlights the importanceof professional teacher training, integrated curricula, parental involvement, and cooperative policy frameworksinvolving digital platforms.