THE EFFECT OF MEDIA LITERACY ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF THE CITIZENS OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article examines the role of the media as a powerful force that influences the formation of public opinion and the organization of economic and social state policy. It is noted that media literacy is an important social resource that allows citizens of European countries to go beyond the role of passive media consumers and actively participate in socio-economic processes. It was determined that media literacy has become a fundamental component of democracy and allows the public to navigate and participate in complex socio-economic processes, to contribute to decision-making at various levels of government. The influence of education on the participation of citizens in socio-economic processes was studied in European countries, which shows the tendency of people with a higher level of education to various forms of socio-economic participation and indicates the connection between education and socio-economic activity of the population. It is noted that the level of education is directly related to the level of media literacy. It was determined that people with a higher level of media literacy more often became participants in discussions on socio-economic problems. The importance of education for promoting citizen participation in socio-economic processes and directing efforts to reduce the gap in education as an effective strategy for increasing democratic participation and promoting socio-economic activity in European countries with a generally lower level of education is emphasized. The dependence of media literacy on the income level of the population is analyzed. It was revealed that people with the highest income in most European countries were more likely to be socially and economically active, sign petitions, attend meetings or demonstrations, contact elected representatives, and discuss economic issues than people with the lowest income. It has been proven that media literacy affects the formation of social and economic culture in European countries. It was determined that along with media literacy, cultural and historical influences, the degree of democracy, the level of economic stability, the general standard of living of the population, the levels of income and unemployment play an important role in the involvement of the public in the socio-economic life of the country. European citizens must have access to reliable sources of news, be aware of their rights and responsibilities, and be able to express their views and participate in discussions on socio-economic issues.