Mapping the Information Landscapes of Sudanese Youth: Implications for Media Literacy Education

Authors

  • Abubakr Abdelbagi Teachers College, Columbia University
  • Ioana Literat Teachers College, Columbia University

Keywords:

media literacy, information literacy, information landscapes, participatory mapping, Sudan, youth, gender

Abstract

Seeking to expand the Western-centric scope of media literacy research, this article shines the spotlight on Sudan as a critically underexplored context. Using participatory mapping and in-depth interviews, our research foregrounds urban Sudanese youths’ everyday informational resources and practices as a necessary foundation for a culturally responsive approach to media literacy education. We find that young people’s information landscapes are heavily molded by the country’s political context: Sudan’s political instability and economic precarity increase the urgency and speed of information exchanges, while the prevalence of propaganda highlights the need for authentic, trustworthy information. This focus on usefulness and authenticity consequently shapes a preference for interpersonal communication and digital spaces as key informational channels. At the same time, our analysis reveals significant differences in young people’s information landscapes, particularly along gender lines. Based on these findings, we outline key implications for culturally responsive media literacy interventions.

Author Biographies

Abubakr Abdelbagi, Teachers College, Columbia University

Doctoral Candidate (Communication and Education)Teachers College, Columbia University 646 642 5405

Ioana Literat, Teachers College, Columbia University

Associate Professor of Communications, Computing and Technology in EducationTeachers College, Columbia University

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Published

2023-07-14

Issue

Vol. 17 (2023)

Section

Articles

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