ANNALS OF THE “CONSTANTIN BRÂNCUȘI” UNIVERSITY OF TÂRGU JIU LETTER AND SOCIAL SCIENCE SERIES ISSN-P: 1844-6051 ~ ISSN-E: 2344-3677 2/2023 https://alss.utgjiu.ro 9 ~ EDITORIAL ~ THE IMPERATIVE OF DIGITAL LITERACY IN COMBATING "FAKE NEWS" INFORMATION Ina Raluca TOMESCU Associate Professor, Ph.D., “Constantin Brâncuși” University of Târgu Jiu In the digital era, where fake news is a major problem, digital literacy becomes essential. This is not limited to the use of technology but also involves critical skills in evaluating information. Our editorial draws attention to the need to develop these skills, both individually and collectively, in educational institutions, to effectively combat misinformation and the negative influence of false information. The impact of fake news on our society is profound and multifaceted (Tandoc et. al., 2017). These false pieces of information are not just communication errors but are tools of misinformation that undermine trust in institutions and lead to societal segregation. Their effects extend beyond politics, affecting public health (Mărcău et. al., 2022a) and quality of life (Peptan et. al., 2023). Economically, fake news can influence markets, causing fluctuations based on rumors. The fight against this phenomenon requires more than just regulations (Lazer et. al., 2018). It demands effective digital and media literacy, involving collaboration between government, media, and technology. This collective effort is essential for maintaining a well-informed and healthy society (Mărcău et. al., 2023). Recent studies show that fake news is not just simple false news (Preda, 2020), but represents a more complex phenomenon, involving the creation of an alternate reality that serves the interests of the issuer (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). These pieces of information can induce false perceptions on various issues, thereby confirming existing biases (Mărcău et. al., 2023). Additionally, analyses show that fake news is more prevalent when people seek simplistic explanations for the complex problems of society (Mărcău et. al., 2022b). On the other hand, the study of information itself, as a fundamental element in communication and knowledge, has expanded from theory to science. Academic approaches emphasize that information should not be reduced to the meaning of the term or concept, but must be viewed as a complex concept, with multiple meanings and implications. This is crucial in the current global context, where information can be used as a force for resolving or escalating conflicts (Peptan, 2021). Therefore, developing the skills to analyze information found in the public space becomes imperative (Peptan, 2020). This is not only to discern the message and its correct meaning but also to navigate through the sea of information and distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated. In