Artificial Intelligence-enabled Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Skills for Enhanced Knowledge Acquisition and Sharing of University Students in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract This study investigated the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced Media and Information Literacy (MIL) skills in improving knowledge acquisition and sharing among university students in South-South Nigeria. Guided by three research questions and three hypotheses, the study employed a descriptive survey design. A multistage sampling procedure yielded 455 students, and data were collected using a structured, expert-validated questionnaire. Reliability testing using the Cronbach Alpha method produced a coefficient of 0.883, confirming strong internal consistency. Of the 455 questionnaires distributed, 447 were completed and analyzed. Data were examined using mean and t-test statistics. Findings revealed that students require 16 key skills for effectively searching and locating media and information content, 15 AI-driven skills for creating and producing new content, 10 skills for disseminating information online, and 11 skills for observing ethical and legal standards in media use. These competencies collectively enhance students' capacity for knowledge acquisition and sharing in an AI-driven information environment. The study recommends strengthening the teaching and integration of AI-enabled MIL skills in university curricula to improve students’ performance in knowledge acquisition, content creation, and information sharing.