A Comparative Analysis of Media and Information Literacy among Undergraduate Students at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus

Abstract

        This research aims to compare students’ media and information literacy and examine the relationship between media and information literacy among undergraduate students at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus. The sample consisted of 276 students from the academic year 2023 and 316 students from the academic year 2024. A questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test.

        The findings revealed that students exhibited a high level of media and information literacy, with the ability to apply information ranking the highest in both academic years 2023 and 2024. The ability to access and evaluate information ranked second and third, alternating in order between the two academic years. When comparing media and information literacy, several common characteristics were identified. First, accessing information involves the ability to identify and define the scope of information obtained from credible sources, determine one’s own information needs, and recognize the importance of smart technologies in daily life. Second, evaluating information includes the ability to assess the risks of using online media, evaluate the credibility of online purchases and services, and analyze the implications of accessing computer systems in relation to relevant laws. Third, applying information refers to the ability to conduct secure online banking transactions, use various forms of media critically, and access applications using their own legal user accounts. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the relationship between students’ media and information literacy differed between the 2023 and 2024 academic years. In certain years, students from different faculties and years of study demonstrated statistically significant differences in media and information literacy at the 0.05 level.