THE ROLE OF MEDIA LITERACY IN SHAPING THE NATIONAL CULTURAL IDENTITY OF YOUTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE

This article examines, in their interrelation, the enhancement of young people’s media literacy and the preservation of national cultural identity within the digital media environment. The author characterizes media literacy not merely as a technical skill but as a means of critically perceiving and evaluating information and of strengthening moral immunity. The study considers the impact of the global information flow on the consciousness and values of the younger generation, the theoretical foundations of media education, and the practical opportunities available within Uzbekistan’s education system. The author argues that media literacy is a key factor in ensuring a balance between national identity and globalization.