This report presents findings from the Nordic media literacy survey, evaluating how citizens across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden navigate today's complex digital environment. Assessing both adults (16+) and youth (9–15), the study maps core competencies including news evaluation, critical thinking, interaction with AI, online safety, and awareness of platform mechanics.
While legacy journalism retains high trust for fostering democratic discourse, social media usage dominates daily exposure despite lower credibility rankings. The report highlights generational disparities in digital resilience and emphasises systemic, lifelong media literacy policies to safeguard democratic participation against misinformation and algorithmic risks.
Methodology
The study was commissioned by the Nordic media authorities and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Modeled on UNESCO's Media and Information Literacy framework, a combination of self-reporting metrics and task-based proficiency models was used. The study included an adult survey (16+) across all five Nordic countries and a youth survey adapted for children aged 9 to 15 (implemented across Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden).
Country or region of researched population
Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland
Citation
Bucht, C. (2025). Nordic Media Literacy Survey (TemaNord 2025:572). Nordic Council of Ministers. https://doi.org/10.6027/temanord2025-572
Record created:
21 July 2026
This report presents findings from the Nordic media literacy survey, evaluating how citizens across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden navigate today's complex digital environment. Assessing both adults (16+) and youth (9–15), the study maps core competencies including news evaluation, critical thinking, interaction with AI, online safety, and awareness of platform mechanics.
While legacy journalism retains high trust for fostering democratic discourse, social media usage dominates daily exposure despite lower credibility rankings. The report highlights generational disparities in digital resilience and emphasises systemic, lifelong media literacy policies to safeguard democratic participation against misinformation and algorithmic risks.
Methodology
The study was commissioned by the Nordic media authorities and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Modeled on UNESCO's Media and Information Literacy framework, a combination of self-reporting metrics and task-based proficiency models was used. The study included an adult survey (16+) across all five Nordic countries and a youth survey adapted for children aged 9 to 15 (implemented across Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden).
Country or region of researched population
Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland
Citation
Bucht, C. (2025). Nordic Media Literacy Survey (TemaNord 2025:572). Nordic Council of Ministers. https://doi.org/10.6027/temanord2025-572
Record created:
21 July 2026- media literacy disinformation misinformation information literacy
