The role of media education in reducing the phenomenon of electronic blackmail: a field study

Abstract

The research aims to identify the role of media education in reducing the phenomenon of electronic blackmail, and to know the role played by media education in increasing awareness of the dangers of electronic blackmail and ways to prevent it, and to know the impact of media education on the behavior of individuals when using social media. The importance of this research lies in shedding light on the crucial role played by media education in reducing the phenomenon of electronic blackmail, which poses an increasing danger to individuals and societies, especially in light of the great expansion in the use of the Internet and social media. In this study, the researcher relied on the quantitative survey method on a sample of the Wasit Governorate audience who are familiar with media education, as the sample number reached (431) females and males, and the researcher reached the following results: Media education contributes to raising the level of awareness about the dangers of electronic blackmail, which enables individuals to recognize this phenomenon and how to deal with it. Media literacy enhances individuals’ ability to critically analyze information, helping them distinguish between safe and harmful content and reducing the likelihood of falling into the trap of blackmail. Media literacy helps individuals who have been blackmailed understand their rights and the means of support available to them, helping them confront the perpetrator more effectively. Media literacy programs contribute to spreading awareness among different segments of society, including parents and teachers, about how to deal with cyber-blackmail issues, leading to a more supportive environment for victims. The researcher recommends that media literacy programs be included in educational curricula at all levels of study, to ensure that students acquire the skills necessary to deal with digital challenges. Training courses should be provided for teachers and educators to enhance their knowledge about cyber-blackmail and ways to teach students how to deal with it, which contributes to creating a safe educational environment.