Abstract
This study aims to explore the relationship between new media literacy (NML) and online information searching strategy (OISS), focusing on the comparative analysis of Generation Y and Z in terms of gender, educational level, daily internet usage and the most used social media platforms. This research was designed as a cross-sectional survey study. Using a convenience sample method, the participants were composed of Turkish adults representing Generation Y and Z. Demographic Information Form, New Media Literacy Scale, and Online Information Searching Strategy Inventory were conducted. Two-way MANOVA was utilized for analysis. The results indicate the main effects of generation on OISS, and gender on NML were significant. The interaction between generation and gender also played an important role in influencing OISS. The findings further reveal significant main effects of generation on OISS and NML independently in the context of daily internet usage. However, daily internet use differed by only NML. The specific contributions of most used social media and educational level with generational differences were not significant for OISS and NML.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Kulaksız, T., Geriş, A., & Özşirin, S. (2026). From Y to Z: A cross-generational examination of new media literacy and online information searching strategy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 18(1), 115-128. https://doi.org/10.23860/JMLE-2026-18-1-7
