NJOMACS

The rapid democratisation of information has transformed social media users from passive consumers into active "gatewatchers" who curate and redistribute news. However, a critical paradox persists where technical proficiency does not always equate to the cognitive competence required to effectively vet information. This study investigates the relationship between media literacy competence and gatewatching practices among social media users in public universities in Abuja. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 350 active social media users among undergraduate and postgraduate students of University of Abuja and National Open University of Nigeria using purposive sampling and a structured questionnaire. Findings reveal a generally high level of self-reported media literacy level, particularly in finding news across platforms and verifying accuracy before sharing. Despite these high self-perceptions, a knowledge-practice gap is evident: respondents scored significantly lower in the actual use of fact checking platforms and recognizing media bias. Gatewatching practices among the sample were found to be moderate and mostly discussion-oriented, such as participating in news threads and adding commentary to reposted content. The study established a positive association between literacy levels and active engagement; 76.3% of high-literacy users frequently perform gatewatching functions compared to those with lower literacy levels. The study concludes that while media literacy serves as a vital catalyst for digital participation, there is an urgent need for higher education curricula to shift from teaching basic functional skills to fostering deep critical thinking and practical verification training.