What is digital literacy? 4/6

Digital literacy competencies

Digital literacy involves a broad range of skills essential for navigating today’s complex information environment.

Information evaluation is a key part of digital literacy. It includes the ability to read critically, assess the credibility of sources, and distinguish between reliable and misleading content. In an age where false or manipulated information can spread rapidly—especially around sensitive topics like climate change—these skills are more important than ever. Being digitally literate means learning how to spot misinformation and disinformation, interpret data and visuals carefully, and identify when images may have been manipulated to deceive or provoke.

Media literacy goes hand in hand with information evaluation. It involves active listening to detect tone, intent, and potential bias in spoken content such as podcasts or interviews. It also means developing a critical eye when viewing videos or images—understanding the techniques used to shape narratives, influence opinions, or appeal to emotions. These skills empower users to engage more thoughtfully with the media they consume and share, and to better recognise how persuasive content might be used to distort facts or push disinformation, particularly in the context of climate change.