Media Literacy of Citizens as a Factor in Counteracting Manipulative Influence on the State

In the current context of information warfare and the spread of large-scale disinformation, media literacy is gaining strategic importance as a key factor in ensuring national resilience and protecting citizens from cognitive threats. The relevance of this topic is due to the growth of information aggression and the need to develop critical thinking among the population. In particular, the relevance is enhanced by the growth of information aggression by the occupying country, Russia, which uses large-scale advertising campaigns to spread disinformation on social networks, as well as by dynamic changes in the perception of information by the Ukrainian population in the context of a full-scale invasion. The main aim is to consider the growing level of information and propaganda attacks, in particular, on the example of Russia’s activities in this field, and media literacy in countering information attacks. The example of Finland demonstrates a comprehensive and strategic approach of the state to the formation of media literacy among its citizens, starting from preschool age and throughout life, in various forms and using an interdisciplinary approach and based on European legislative norms and concepts. The article also considers the intensification of information and propaganda attacks and the role of media literacy in countering them. The methodological basis of the work was the analysis of scientific publications, journalistic materials and interviews, as well as relevant official documents; analysis and synthesis of the information received, content analysis of relevant Internet resources. The results of the study and their practical significance. It is emphasized that media literacy significantly increases the ability of citizens to critically evaluate information, reduces the impact of disinformation and helps to preserve social cohesion. It was found that even in countries with a high level of media literacy, there are digital gaps, which requires continuous improvement of educational programs. In particular, the analysis of Ukrainian sociological data (2020–2024) showed a significant increase in the overall media literacy index during the full-scale war: the share of citizens with an above-average score increased from 55% to 81% (2022) and stabilized at a high level (76% in 2023). This indicates that the population is adapting and increasing critical thinking in response to external threats. The analysis of the Finnish experience and Ukrainian dynamics confirms the need for continuous improvement of educational programs to ensure uniform information sustainability of the entire society. The results obtained can be used to develop state strategies for media education, improve information security and form critical thinking of the population in the context of modern information threats. Keywords: War of Independence of Ukraine, information aggression, Middle East countries, cognitive warfare, cognitive influence, critical thinking, media literacy, national security, propaganda, Poland, public administration, Russia, Finland