عاطفه سروری سرابی

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.

Artificial Intelligence has is a pivotal tool in enhancing crisis management during natural disasters such as earthquakes. This article examines the role of AI in generating real-time information, predicting stakeholder and population responses, and optimizing decision-making processes. A meta-analysis of existing literature highlights AI's potential to transform traditional crisis management approaches by enabling rapid assessment of disaster scenarios, efficient resource allocation, and communication strategies tailored to situational dynamics. However, the integration of AI in such critical domains requires not only technological advancement but also a paradigm shift in the skills and competencies of crisis management professionals. This paper argues for the necessity of continuous education for stakeholders, emphasizing training in AI tools and data literacy to ensure effective utilization of these technologies in high-stakes environments. Furthermore, it explores the ethical implications of AI use in crisis contexts, including issues of accountability, data privacy, and bias mitigation. To address these challenges through sustained education and interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholders should harness AI’s full potential while minimizing risks.

In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 fatal work injuries, reflecting a 5.7% increase from 2021. This alarming trend highlights the persistent dangers associated with hazardous occupations, with the fatal work injury rate rising to 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. This article contends that traditional risk management approaches are inadequate to counter this trend and advocates for the integration of media literacy as an essential component of workplace safety. Media literacy equips workers to critically analyze and resist the influence of media narratives, particularly those on visual platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, that glamorize high-risk behaviors. Such narratives can promote unsafe workplace practices by encouraging employees to engage in dangerous activities to showcase exceptional skills. The article argues that corporations in construction sector and other hazardous industries bear the responsibility of organizing media literacy workshops for their employees. These programs can further critical awareness and encourage safer decision-making to help reduce the occurrence of workplace fatalities.