Media Health Literacy and Food Safety: A Novel Strategy for Public Health Empowerment

Abstract Social media platforms, as expansive and interactive channels for disseminating health information, play a pivotal role in promoting media health literacy and food safety. Media health literacy refers to the ability to critically analyze, evaluate, and effectively utilize health messages across both digital and traditional media environments—skills that are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses.This study, through a review of theoretical foundations in health literacy, media literacy, and the influence of social media, underscores that while social media offers significant opportunities for enhancing health awareness and modifying dietary behaviors, the spread of misinformation and users’ insufficient skills pose substantial challenges. Therefore, the development of educational strategies and targeted policymaking aimed at improving media health literacy is essential to optimize the benefits of social media platforms and ensure public health in an effective manner.