The relationship between the news literacy levels and selective exposure situations among the students of faculty of communication

The aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between the news literacy levels of students in the Faculty of Communication at Uşak University and their selective exposure situations. News literacy refers to individuals' ability to critically evaluate media content, question its accuracy and reliability, and recognize manipulations. It also includes the ability to analyze the intentions and purposes behind media messages, playing a critical role in increasing access to accurate information while preventing misinformation and disinformation. Selective exposure, on the other hand, represents individuals' preferences for specific news sources and types. This phenomenon encompasses the tendency of individuals to gravitate toward content that aligns with their beliefs, values, and worldview, thereby risking the neglect of alternative perspectives. Furthermore, selective exposure may lead individuals to reinforce their existing biases. The research was conducted using a relational survey model. The study group consisted of 566 students who voluntarily participated in the study out of the 2,218 students enrolled in the Faculty of Communication at Uşak University. Data were collected through surveys created on Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS 25 software with correlation analysis, t-tests, and F-tests. The findings demonstrate a negative and strong relationship between news literacy and selective exposure, indicating that as students' news literacy levels increase, their tendencies toward selective exposure decrease. It was found that students' news literacy levels vary by department, with students in New Media and Communication, as well as Journalism departments, exhibiting higher levels. Additionally, selective exposure situations were observed to differ based on factors such as the frequency of reading news and the purpose of internet use, with those using social media and the internet for entertainment purposes showing higher selective exposure situations.