How Media Literacy Advances Active Listening and Intellectual Humility

Disinformation, conspiracy theories, and propaganda have become large-scale social problems, shaping the way people understand the world and make decisions. This research examines the impact of a five-month online dialogue and discussion program that aimed to reduce the threat of violent extremism by advancing the media literacy competencies of adults. The program relied on the practice of dialogue and discussion about media texts, platforms, systems, and effects, In a series of three studies, we demonstrate how discussions about topics including social media influencers, hoaxes and disinformation, propaganda, media regulation, and pathways to radicalization activated both cognitive and affective perspective-taking, leading participants to increase their awareness of the limitations of their own knowledge and reduce their defensiveness towards those who hold different beliefs. We found statistically significant increases in active listening and media literacy knowledge which improved participants ability to apply and use media literacy concepts and skills in their daily lives. This study demonstrates the value of dialogue and discussion programs as a media literacy intervention for adults. Research: https://aera25-aera.ipostersessions.c...