What is Media Literacy?

Media literacy is a conceptualization of literacy including applying critical thinking skills to the messages, signs, and symbols used in media and the ability to decode these messages. According to the Center for Media Literacy, media literacy skills provide “a framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a variety of forms, build an understanding of the role of media in society, as well as [develop] the essential skills of inquiry and self-expression” (Trilling & Fadel, 2009). Media literacy requires active participation which is significant in this day and age to teach the necessary skills for engaging with media content thoughtfully and respectfully.

Why is Media Literacy Important?

Media literacy is significant as it helps to promote critical thinking, allowing thoughts and resources to be evaluated and analyzed, in which we question credibility to prevent misinformation. Being educated in media literacy also allows people to understand media influence and take responsibility for their media consumption. For example, media often influences our perceptions and opinions, in which being able to critically analyze these, allows us to become more aware of our engagement with media. By recognizing this, we are able to become responsible for our media consumption in which we are aware of some of the consequences it could have, such as on mental health. As our world is rapidly advancing in technology usage, having the ability to critically engage with and understand media is significant. Media literacy enables our communication skills to improve and integrated into our daily lives through technology.

Why is Media Literacy Dismissed?

There are many reasons why media literacy may be dismissed, however, the main reason most likely includes a lack of understanding of media and misconceptions. For example, those who do not view media as necessary in this time and age, may dismiss it because of their believed complexity and unimportance of the media that it has on society. Another reason it may be dismissed is because of a fear of change. Media is complex and new and always evolving, therefore, those who do not want to have to continue learning new things and adapt, will resist media literacy. As some see media as just a spreading of misinformation, rather than a teaching tool, it could also lead to the media’s dismissal.

Why Does Open Dialogues About Media Literacy and Factual Information Create Conflict?

Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict due to trust issues, a difference of views and beliefs. When discussing media, beliefs are often challenged in which people hold onto and are attached to ideas and preconceptions which causes discourse because they don’t want to have their idea debunked. As those with these preconceived ideas are spreading information, the credibility may be challenged. This is because of confirmation bias in which people are hearing and seeing information on media that they want to due to the pre-designed algorithm. As we discuss the trustworthiness of sources, some may question certain media sources, government agencies, and other providers. This lack of trust is often one of the leading reasons for conflict.

What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?

Having a PLN that values media literacy improves our PLN both professionally and personally. A PLN that values media literacy encourages our communication and critical thinking skills, which helps to engage and grow our perspective taking abilities. As we learn to identify bias, we improve in our ability to convey messages to one another without bias. This is significant in which we learn to analyze and decode messages which we improve our communication skills. This will allow our networking to grow as we communicate efficiently, enabling our PLN to be used for professional development. As we also learned to recognize confirmation bias, this allows us to practice spreading relevant news and trends while ensuring that we are spreading credible information. Teaching media literacy ensures that we are spreading the appropriate way to use media and spread information, ultimately allowing our PLN to be credible in professional and personal usage.