Investigation of the Effective Approaches for Promotion of Media Literacy Tackling the Health Related Infodemics with emphasis on COVID-19 in Iran from the Information Specialists Point of View

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The infodemic resulting from inadequate media literacy contributes to confusion, uncertainty, and hazardous behaviors within society. Countries around the world should implement effective management and control strategies tailored to their cultural contexts and technological infrastructures. Purpose: The primary objective of this research was to explore effective solutions for enhancing media literacy within society in response to the infodemic related to COVID-19, as perceived by health information specialists in Iran. Method and materials: This applied study employed a mixed-methods approach. Initially, health literacy promotion strategies to address the infodemic were extracted from relevant documents in various databases using a domain review method and subsequently categorized through thematic analysis. The proposed strategies were then transformed into a questionnaire, which was validated for reliability before being administered to experts in "medical librarianship and information" and "health education and promotion in Iran. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table, resulting in a total of 169 participants, while the accessible sample consisted of 68 individuals. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software. Findings: A total of 133 documents were identified as qualified based on the PRISMA ScR criteria, from which 74 strategies for promoting media literacy and addressing the infodemic were extracted. These strategies were organized into 10 main themes: government oversight, education, fostering a culture of critical thinking, technology, control and correction of information dissemination, reliable psychological interventions, social networks, public surveillance, and the influence of celebrities. Additionally, three subject categories were established: the role of government, the role of the public, and the role of technology. The average scores from the thematic information questionnaire were as follows: overall thematic information (4.24), the role of government (4.38), the role of the public (4.47), and the use of technological tools (3.89) in addressing information and infodemic-related issues, all of which were above average. Furthermore, all proposed solutions received favorable scores. There was no significant difference in the respondents' scores based on age, field of study, or work experience regarding the questionnaire responses. Conclusion: Teaching media literacy, evidence-based culture, and critical thinking should be institutionalized within society. Governments must take fundamental steps by implementing clear policies and fostering a supportive culture. The utilization of technological tools, such as educational games and artificial intelligence should be prioritized by both individuals and governments. Key words: Infodmic, covid-19, information literacy, media literacy, strategy.