Throughout history, media literacy has witnessed major developments as a result of the political, social and technological events that humanity has experienced. Using an interdisciplinary qualitative historical-analytical approach, this study provides a sophisticated examination of the changes in media literacy over the previous century. The study provides insights for educators, policymakers and scholars in the digital age by placing media literacy within its larger historical technological and ethical dimensions through theoretical triangulation and critical analysis of secondary literature. After the end of World War I, the media began to take on a more professional and independent character with the emergence of the print press and its spread in societies. During World War II, the media continued to play its crucial role in supporting the internal fronts and guiding the masses, but it also became a tool for criticizing government policies at times, which showed the beginning of the spirit of media criticism. With the growth of technology and the world entering the digital age, the media witnessed a jump in its ability to circulate information quicker and on a wider scale. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the media has become an indispensable element in managing the health crisis. The media has played a vital role in disseminating news related to the pandemic. At the same time, challenges have emerged regarding the issue of credibility and misinformation, as misleading news and inaccurate information have spread widely. As the world enters the era of artificial intelligence, the challenges facing the media literacy are increasing. Artificial intelligence technologies have begun to play a role in collecting and analyzing data, and even in creating media content. However, this development has raised major concerns regarding misinformation and disinformation, as well as issues of credibility and media ethics. Despite the great opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, this technology also raises fundamental questions about the future of media literacy and its role in modern societies. The study also explains the development of media literacy and its role in current era.