MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY IN EDUCATION: TRAINING CRITICAL CITIZENS TO COMBAT FAKE NEWS AND HATE SPEECH

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the contributions of media and information literacy in the educational context, focusing on the formation of critical citizens capable of confronting the dissemination of fake news and hate speech. The motivation for developing this research stems from the significant growth of misinformation in digital environments and its negative impacts on social relations, knowledge construction, and democratic participation, highlighting the need for educational practices that promote the conscious and critical use of information. The study sought to understand how education can act as a formative space for the development of information and media literacy skills. The methodology adopted is characterized as a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive literature review, based on the analysis of 14 scientific articles published between 2016 and 2025, all in Portuguese. The materials were selected from the Google Scholar and SciELO databases, considering criteria of thematic relevance, scientific rigor, and adherence to the central axis of the research. The data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis, allowing the identification of recurring categories related to combating disinformation, digital citizenship, and the role of schools in the critical mediation of information. The results indicate convergence among studies regarding the importance of media and information literacy as an educational strategy for developing critical thinking, informational autonomy, and ethical participation in digital environments. It is concluded that the systematic incorporation of these practices in the educational context contributes to combating fake news and hate speech, strengthening civic education. The study contributes by systematizing current theoretical reflections and reinforcing the need for educational policies and pedagogical practices committed to critical and democratic education.