Media literacy is the ability to decipher and interpret types of messages that are being sent by various media sources, such as the Internet, television, radio, and film (Trilling and Fadel 21). This ability is critical in contemporary society, where the media is used to influence, disseminate facts or political information, and to promote ideas and philosophies about a range of topics (Trilling and Fadel 22). Medial literacy can also be important for parents in order to understand any underlying or hidden messages that exist in content that is specifically designed and tailored for a youth audience (Bulger and Davison 8).
Media literacy can be dismissed for a wide range of reasons. One of these reasons relates to marginalized groups, whose messages and stories are often neglected in mainstream media in order to appease a larger, majority audience (Bulger and Davison 9). Medial literacy may also be dismissed due to public skepticism of the media or its sociopolitical structures, which may be associated with the dissemination of propaganda and ‘false news.’
Currently, much of the public has no idea who exactly to trust in the media and whether or not the information that is being received is factual. The media has a powerful influence on the public and can change a nation’s sociopolitical and economic climate. Since it is difficult to trust a single media source, a key component of media literacy is adopting varied and diverse approach to viewing the media and with respect to a personal learning network (PLN). Rather than just viewing a singular news source, for example, it is important to view opposing sources and then to critically reflect on what appears to be factual and authentic versus what is simply propaganda or rhetoric.
Reference
Bulger, Monica, and Patrick Davison. “The Promises, Challenges, and Futures of Media Literacy.” Journal of Media Literacy Education, vol. 10, no. 1, 2018, pp.1-21.
Trilling, Bernie, and Charles Fadel. 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times. John Wiley & Sons, 2009.
ruobingbai November 16, 2021
Hi Keving, I agree with you that the media has a powerful influence on the public and can change the socio-political and economic climate of a country. Instead of looking at a single news source, it is important to look at opposing sources and critically reflect on what is fact and true and what is just propaganda or rhetoric.