Media literacy is a medium that passes various information (messages) to the public. It can be in the forms like graphics, animation, audio, video or Web sites (Trilling & Fadel). In the 21st century, people need to learn how to use media resources to create communication products (Trilling & Fadel). In Jesse’s interview with Julie, they also mention about being critical about the information that media spreads is also a crucial part of media literacy.
It is vital for people to learn media literacy because it can apply and practise people’s critical thing ability. Nowadays there are tons of information (online and offline) that lead us passively absorbing them. At first, we just see this information, but as more frequently we read them, these ideas might become our thought. Therefore, it is important for people to rethink everything they read. Just because it is a popular statement that many people praise it, doesn’t necessarily mean it is right.
Another reason that media literacy is so important is that by knowing the goal for our media consumption, we can gain the information we want more effectively. People will learn where to find valid resources and whose opinions are more professional with evidence. This information can be quite influential that can inspire new thoughts among people.
Another important role I learnt about media literacy play from an article is that it creates media responsibility (Common Sense Media). After learning media literacy, we are more clear about what to say, how to say our point of view online and what to share in our PLN. It creates a sense of responsibility for people to know what message you want to spread to the world and create an impact on others.
Even though media literacy is so vital, but sadly many people are unfamiliar with it. Usually, the media company will know what the audiences want to see and read, and they show biased information/news to them. And due to confirmation bias, people like information that is similar to their opinions, and they tend to believe their opinion is “right”. Sometimes politicians will use that strategy to attract more people to vote for their party, even though the news they spread on media is a rumour or being biased.
References
EDCI 338 (2020, Nov 1). A01 Smith, Julie [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_T9RghwJlI&feature=youtu.be
Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2012). Digital Literacy Skills. In 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
“What Is Media Literacy, and Why Is It Important?” Common Sense Media: Ratings, Reviews, and Advice, www.commonsensemedia.org/news-and-media-literacy/what-is-media-literacy-and-why-is-it-important.
rachellevanr March 22, 2021
Hey Alison!
Interesting post this week. I was just wondering after having read it what you would consider to be the best solution to increasing media literacy in the public? Do you think that critical thinking and media literacy skills should be taught earlier on in school? Or do you think that there should be regulatory bodies and legislation in place to help sources publish more accurate information?
alisonjiang March 23, 2021 — Post author
Hi Rachel,
I think it is surely necessary for schools and any other institutions to teach students to be aware of what they are reading and who they are reading from. Media can be a great resource for people, but at the same time, it can “control” our mindset by showing our preferred information to us. By teaching children early on media literacy education can help them be more critical and careful with their information absorption.
Thank you so much for commenting!
Alison