University students' new media literacy skill levels: The case of Sakarya University

New media literacy is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the ability of individuals to think critically, to use the media effectively, to analyse the intentions, ideologies and manipulations behind the content encountered and to read the media consciously in the processes of information production, dissemination and consumption in the digital age. The competencies of being able to critically evaluate the individual and social effects of media content encourage individuals to move from being passive consumers in new media environments to become participants who produce information, think critically and create strategic impact in the digital field, and in this process, it also contributes to establishing a balance between the digital rights/opportunities offered by technology and possible risks. Especially in today's world where disinformation is widespread, cyberbullying and digital addictions are increasing and online security and privacy violations are frequently experienced, new media literacy is becoming more and more prominent in terms of individuals' ability to develop resistance against these risks. In this context, examining the multidimensional dimensions of new media literacy is also important in making sense of individuals' positions and roles in the digital world. This study, which deals with determining the new media literacy skill levels of university students, was carried out with 682 students studying at Sakarya University. Quantitative method and survey design were used in the study. Through the scale developed by Koç and Barut (2016), it was aimed to reveal students' functional consumption, critical consumption, functional production and critical production levels, which include sub-skill areas related to new media literacy, in terms of various variables. According to the findings obtained in the study, it is seen that the new media literacy skill levels of university students are high. Nevertheless, it is emphasised that by developing students' critical production skills, which is a sub-dimension of new media literacy, individuals should not only consume media messages, but also have the capacity to produce new content in accordance with the needs of society, with ethical responsibility and social awareness. In this respect, it is emphasised that individuals should gain the skills covering the four dimensions of new media literacy from an early age and suggestions for future research/studies are presented.