Digital Media Literacy Among Peruvian University Students: News Credibility in the Age of Manipulated Political Media

Almanza Cabe R.B.; Mamani Calizaya A.A.; Zubia Cortéz L.D.; Fernandez Corrales J.E.; Limache Flores A.; Morales Gonzales A.V.; Donayre Sarolli A.E.; Chavez Cuarite J.L.; Rodriguez Saavedra M.O. · Journalism and Media (2026) · DOI: 10.3390/journalmedia7030145

Resumen

The rise in political deepfakes threatens news credibility and media literacy in polarized higher education contexts; yet, Latin American students remain understudied. This study examined the digital media literacy of Peruvian university students (n = 5854) in assessing the credibility of political news and identifying AI-generated content. Using a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design, PROCESS Models 4 and 5 were applied to analyze the relationship between AI literacy and news credibility assessment ability. Awareness of political deepfakes and political news verification strategies were examined as parallel mediators, while the type of university was evaluated as a moderator. Previous exposure to AI, digital media consumption, and sociodemographic characteristics were included as control variables. AI literacy was positively associated with news credibility assessment ability, with awareness of political deepfakes and verification strategies contributing to this relationship. The analysis also examined institutional differences between public and private universities. These findings support the implementation of systematic AI literacy programs across disciplines and institutions to strengthen news credibility and democratic resilience in politically polarized contexts.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Nacional de Moquegua; Universidad Católica de Santa María