Abstract:

Abstract The advances in information and communication technology affect both communication practices and theoretical foundations of communication studies, including media literacy. There are various discussions and research on the term "media literacy". In today's world where digitalization is rapidly spreading, the content of media literacy has expanded to include digital media as well as conventional media. Besides internet literacy, some other literacies such as computer, cyber, network, digital, and information literacies are also mentioned. This article aims to examine the studies carried out within the scope of media literacy in Turkey, especially digital media literacy, digital literacy, data and information literacy, and so on and so forth. In line with the aforementioned purpose, the focus of the study is the doctoral dissertations prepared in the fields of social sciences, science and technology and communication sciences in Turkey between the years 2015-2020. The dissertations accessed from the database of the National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education in Turkey were examined in terms of their scope, methodology, and the way they address the issue of media literacy and their implications. The ways of conducting research methods and techniques based on qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodology or secondary data sources in the theses prepared on media literacy were examined. It is aimed to examine the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodology used in the studies or research based on secondary data sources. Based on these examinations, suggestions have been made for future communication research, media literacy education and practices, taking into account the prominent results and literature within the framework of media literacy practices and research in the international arena, including Europe. In this context, the importance of digital media literacy knowledge and skills should be emphasized once again in order for individuals who can use the opportunities of digital media environments and avoid possible risks in a datafied society. Keywords: Digital Media, Media Literacy, Doctoral Dissertations, Digital Media Environment, Possibilities and Risks.

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