A comprehensive report from the Nordic Media Literacy Survey 2025, conducted in early 2025 by the Nordic Council of Ministers, has been released. This first-of-its-kind study, involving over 12,000 respondents across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, aims to assess media literacy competencies essential for informed participation in democratic society. The report, based on a framework by Professor Ulla Carlsson, evaluates skills, attitudes, and knowledge related to finding, evaluating, and creating media content.
The survey, conducted via web panels in each country, provides a baseline for regional media literacy efforts. The findings will inform educational initiatives, policy discussions, and platform practices across the Nordic region. The report, available here (PDF) and here (webpage), suggests that while there are areas of strength (e.g., some positive AI perceptions), significant gaps in media literacy need to be addressed through coordinated efforts from governments, educators, and the private sector.
Key Findings:
- Online engagement and free Speech: A significant portion (about 4 in 10 monthly) of respondents avoid online discourse due to fear of repercussions. This trend underscores the need for safer digital spaces and better support for online engagement.
- News consumption challenges: One in three younger adults aged 16–44 face difficulties staying current with or critically assessing news. This highlights a need for improved media literacy education to foster critical thinking skills and media discernment.
- Social media as a news source: Young people increasingly rely on social media for news, but their trust in these platforms is low. This gap highlights the importance of teaching youth to critically evaluate online information and identify credible sources.
- Limited digital participation: Despite high social media use, many young people rarely post or comment online. This could impact future civic engagement and digital literacy.
- AI perceptions: While respondents acknowledge AI’s benefits, concerns about its impact on media content persist. This reflects growing awareness of AI’s role in information dissemination and a desire for transparency and accountability in AI-driven content creation.
- Age limit violations: A notable number of young people (one in three 9–12-year-olds) use social media platforms below recommended age limits, raising concerns about digital safety and the need for more effective age verification and parental guidance.
