Combating Information and Psychological Operations Through Youth Media and Information Literacy Development

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the role of ethical, cultural, and philosophical aspects in the process of forming media literacy and digital communication culture among young people, considering them as key factors in counteracting information and psychological operations (PSYOP) in the modern information space. The paper argues that the comprehensive development of these components in the younger generation contributes to the formation of critical thinking, responsible online behavior, and the ability to recognize and effectively resist manipulative influences.

The relevance of the study is determined by the rapid growth of information aggression and disinformation, which poses a significant threat to national security, social stability, and the personal development of young people. In the context of hybrid wars and the active use of digital platforms to spread hostile propaganda, it is strategically important to develop a media-literate and ethically responsible younger generation. Insufficient media literacy makes young people particularly vulnerable to manipulation, fake news, and psychological influence, which undermines their ability to make informed decisions and take an active civic stance. In this context, research into the ethical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of media literacy and digital culture is particularly important, as these aspects lay the foundation for critical thinking about information, understanding of socio-cultural contexts, and awareness of responsibility for one's own actions in the online environment.

The research methodology is based on a combination of theoretical and analytical methods. The main methods used were: critical analysis of scientific literature on media literacy, digital culture, information security, ethics, cultural studies, and philosophy; synthesis and generalization of the data obtained to identify key concepts and interrelationships; deduction and induction to specify theoretical provisions and identify practical examples; comparative analysis of existing approaches and strategies for developing media literacy and counteracting PSYOP; interpretation and conceptualization of research results to substantiate the role of ethical, cultural, and philosophical aspects in the context under study.

The results of the study demonstrate that ethical education within the framework of media literacy contributes to the formation of a responsible attitude of young people towards information and an understanding of the principles of honesty, objectivity, and respect in the digital environment. The development of a culture of digital communication that takes into account the cultural context and principles of netiquette is important for preventing cyberbullying and hate speech and promotes tolerance and intercultural dialogue. A philosophical approach to media literacy emphasizes the development of critical thinking, the ability to analyze information, identify manipulative techniques, and form one's own informed judgments. Research confirms that the integration of ethical norms, cultural understanding, and philosophical reflection in the process of developing media literacy and digital culture significantly increases young people's resilience to information and psychological operations, making them less vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.

The conclusions of the study are that ethical, cultural, and philosophical aspects are fundamental components of the effective formation of media literacy and digital communication culture among young people as an effective way to counteract information and psychological operations. The development of responsible online behavior, understanding of cultural diversity, and critical thinking based on philosophical principles enable young people to consciously shape their information space, recognize manipulative techniques, and counteract disinformation. Integrating these aspects into educational programs and initiatives is key to raising a generation capable of critical thinking, acting responsibly in the digital space, and effectively countering information threats, which is an important investment in the future of information security and societal resilience.