Research Article
Media Literacy Awareness and Verification Behaviour in Resisting Misinformation and Disinformation Among University Students in Rangpur, Bangladesh
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
56-67
Received:
1 July 2026
Accepted:
13 July 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cls.20261203.11
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Abstract: The rapid growth of digital media has significantly increased university students' exposure to misinformation and disinformation, making media literacy an essential skill for navigating the contemporary digital information environment. However, empirical research on media literacy awareness and verification behavior (skills) among students of Bangladeshi public university, specifically in the Rangpur area, remains inadequate. This research analyzes the influence of technological skills and media literacy education on students' ability to resist misleading information among undergraduate students at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. A cross-sectional quantitative design was applied with 200 undergraduate students through a structured questionnaire by using convenient sampling. Composite index scores measuring media literacy awareness (including understanding of misinformation, disinformation, identifying misleading headlines or images, media bias, and verification methods) and information verification behaviour (including cross-checking practices, source reliability assessment, and avoidance of sharing unverified information) were developed from questionnaire responses and analysed using frequency analysis, cross-tabulation, and chi-square tests. The findings showed that 52.5% of respondents fall within the high level of media literacy awareness. However, 63% stated that they share information without verification at least occasionally, highlighting a considerable gap between awareness and actual practice. A Chi-square test confirmed a statistically significant relationship between media literacy awareness and verification or resistant behavior (χ2 = 12.779, p = 0.012). Technological skills showed an even stronger relationship with verification behavior (χ2 = 27.397, p < 0.001) and was associated with both awareness and actual verification practices. Notably, formal media literacy education was almost entirely absent among respondents with 97% reporting no classroom exposure. Although an overwhelming majority (98%) has supported its inclusion in university curricula. As the study contributed the first empirical evidence from the Rangpur region, demonstrating that media literacy awareness alone is not sufficient to ensure responsible online behavior. The findings indicate the importance of promoting practical media literacy education and digital evaluation skills into university curricula to expand students’ ability to combat misinformation and disinformation.
Abstract: The rapid growth of digital media has significantly increased university students' exposure to misinformation and disinformation, making media literacy an essential skill for navigating the contemporary digital information environment. However, empirical research on media literacy awareness and verification behavior (skills) among students of Bangl...
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,
Mahamudul Haque
