Media and information literacy in the post-truth era: mapping adult education programmes through an emotion-based approach in Spain's largest cities

Abstract

Media and Information Literacy (MIL) has emerged as a pivotal approach to addressing the information disorders of the contemporary communication landscape, such as the prevailing crisis of trust in media outlets and the pervasive dissemination of disinformation. Research has consistently demonstrated an inherent role for emotions in them. A variety of training programmes for adults have been developed with the aim of cultivating MIL competencies, thereby providing citizens with the means to defend themselves against such challenges. The objective of this study is to ascertain the extent to which emotional dimensions are taken into consideration within such programmes. In order to achieve this objective, an examination of training initiatives implemented in Spain's three largest cities (Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia) has been undertaken, with a view to assessing the public MIL education available for adults. The present study investigates whether the emotional component is mentioned, the degree to which it is addressed, whether its instruction is theoretical or also practical, and whether specific methodologies are applied. The methodology employed is founded upon a content analysis of 69 teaching guides from the selected training initiatives, complemented by a series of 17 interviews with instructors responsible for delivering these training initiatives. The findings indicate a pervasive technocentric approach that prioritises digital skills while neglecting to foster profound engagement with the information ecosystem. The absence of concrete and standardised MIL curricula for adult learners is also highlighted, as is the predominantly retired student population and the paucity of specific techniques for addressing emotional components.