سهند سخایی

The increasing digitalization of society has amplified the digital divide, particularly affecting the elderly population. As life expectancy rises globally, integrating older adults into the digital world is essential to promoting social inclusion, reducing isolation, and enhancing personal independence. This article investigates the potential of media literacy as a solution to improve IT skills among elderly individuals. Media literacy encompasses not only the technical ability to use digital tools but also the critical skills necessary to work with and evaluate digital information responsibly. The study examines barriers such as limited prior exposure to technology, cognitive decline, and socio-economic constraints, which hinder older adults’ ability to acquire IT competencies. It also explores successful interventions, including community-driven workshops, adaptive learning programs, and intergenerational training models designed to meet seniors' unique learning needs. Findings suggest that media literacy-based IT training enhances both digital proficiency and social participation among older learners. The article concludes with practical policy recommendations aimed at integrating media literacy into national education programs targeting the elderly. Future research should focus on cross-cultural evaluations of media literacy initiatives and long-term impacts on seniors' quality of life in an increasingly digital world.

The rise of social media has transformed modern communication, creating connectivity and fostering new platforms for self-expression. However, this shift has raised significant concerns about its effects on mental health. This article critically examines the relationship between social media use and mental health. While social media can provide valuable social support and facilitate the sharing of personal achievements, evidence suggests it may also contribute to heightened anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction, especially among adolescents and young adults. The article analyzes how social media algorithms, the pressure to present an idealized self-image, and constant comparison with others create an environment where self-esteem and mental well-being are often compromised. Furthermore, the long-term implications of social media use, including its impact on attention spans, social isolation, and self-worth, are discussed. Ultimately, this article emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing social media’s influence on mental health to create healthier digital environments.

The increasing integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in children's lives necessitates a continuous emphasis on media literacy. As digital environments become intrinsic to education, entertainment, and social interaction, children are exposed to vast amounts of content, unfiltered, complex, and often harmful. This paper explores the imperative role of media literacy in equipping children with critical thinking skills to experience the digital landscape responsibly. By analyzing contemporary challenges, including misinformation, cyberbullying, and digital addiction, this study highlights how media literacy fosters cognitive resilience and ethical engagement online. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the role of educators, parents, and policymakers in furthering a collaborative approach to digital education. Media literacy is positioned not as a singular skill but as an evolving competency, integral to ensuring children's empowerment and safety. The findings show that there is an urgent need for structured media literacy programs, tailored to the cognitive and emotional development of children, to mitigate risks and harness the opportunities presented by ICT. We also recommend that children’s use of ICT should be kept as minimal as possible.