The Impact of Media on Social Awareness (A Field Study on Latakia University Students)

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the impact of media on social awareness among students at Latakia University. The researcher focused on two dimensions of social awareness-scientific awareness and economic awareness-as dependent variables, while considering media as the independent variable. The researcher employed a descriptive-analytical approach and used simple random sampling for the study population. A total of 430 questionnaires were distributed to Latakia University students, of which 405 were returned. Of these, 390 were valid for analysis, which was performed using SPSS software. To test the research hypotheses, the researcher applied the one-sample t-test and the Pearson correlation coefficient.

The findings revealed a high level of media availability among students, accompanied by increased levels of both scientific and economic awareness. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a positive and statistically significant effect of media on both scientific and economic awareness, confirming a meaningful overall impact of media on social awareness. The study concluded with several recommendations emphasizing the importance of enhancing students’ ability to critically interpret media messages and to distinguish between facts and opinions. This could be achieved through the establishment of university-affiliated digital platforms that provide educational videos, tests, and interactive learning modules.