Evaluating Public Engagement and Interactivity in the Context of Digital Media Management and Emerging Information Threats

Abstract

Introduction: Digital media have become the main channels of communication. Information threats like fake news and cyber attacks can change public opinion. Assessing these threats will help identify risks and develop protection strategies. Objectives: The study aims to develop recommendations for improving interactivity, increasing media literacy, and protecting against information threats by analysing and evaluating media education and security policies and strategies. Methods: The methods used in the study were literature analysis, synthesis and analysis, observation, and generalisation. Results: As a result of the study, a review of the regulatory and legal framework for information security in Ukraine was conducted. Methodological approaches to assessing public activity in digital media are identified. The study of public interaction with the media is based on analysing quantitative and qualitative indicators of user activity on Facebook and Instagram. The activity analysis on the leading media platforms (Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) in Ukraine in 2022-2024 has revealed the main trends and problems in information consumption. Based on the study's results, six key recommendations have been formulated to increase interactivity, media literacy and protection against information threats in Ukraine, considering current challenges and threats. Conclusions: The findings can help develop policies to improve information security and media education. It was found that digital media have expanded opportunities for public participation by facilitating access to information. Necessary measures have been developed to increase media literacy and information security to protect against threats and improve public debate.