Clicks, Risks and Awareness: A Sociological Understanding of Media Literacy and Cyber Security Among University Students in Kolkata, India

The rapid expansion of digital technology has brought both opportunities and challenges for college and university students in India. With increasing reliance on the internet, social media, and digital platforms, media literacy and cyber security have emerged as critical areas of concern. As digital media continues to proliferate and evolve, understanding the sociological implications of students’ media consumption and their ability to navigate online threats becomes imperative. Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms. In the context of students, media literacy is essential for critically assessing the flood of information available online and making informed decisions. Cyber security refers to the protection of internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyberattacks. The rise in digital activity among students has exposed them to cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and identity theft. Students often overlook basic security practices such as using strong passwords or enabling two-factor authentication. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study aims to gather comprehensive data about university students' media literacy levels; cybersecurity knowledge; experience with online threats such as phishing, data breaches, and identity theft; and the strategies employed by them to protect themselves in the virtual world. This study highlights the perception of relationship between media literacy and cyber security among students of various universities in the urban landscape of Kolkata, India.