User:Yueyiyang/Media literacy

Introduction

Media literacy refers to one’s ability to identify the different contexts of media and decode the messages they are sending. Media literate people can create messages and send them across the various types of media. The 21st century has experienced an influx of huge information from various sources, thanks to the advancement in technology and the advent of the internet. Today, information can be shared via text messages, viral videos, memes, video games, or social media platforms.The ability to understand and communicate data and messages is essential skill in 21st century. The ability to use online forums is important in modern literacy. The digital age has made it easier for one to create media, and understanding the motive of creating the media is the basis of media literacy. Media literacy is, therefore, important since it will enable one to analyze and interpret the message being conveyed.

Importance of Media Literacy Media is an essential skill for everyone, including children. It develops one’s critical thinking. As one evaluates a message contained in the media, he can determine whether it makes sense or not. Televisions, billboards, video games, newspapers, magazines, and the internet expose people to a sea of messages and images in a day. The development in information technology means that it is important to develop skills and abilities to successfully analyze and interpret the messages in the media. This is why the media literacy concept is being protracted beyond traditional media print and audiovisual media in both academic and policy discourse. The internet, as well as other new media platforms, are being incorporated into the schools’ curriculum.

Media literacy helps one to develop the skills required to safely navigate through the sea of mediated messages and images. Media literacy also encourages critical thinking and self-expression, enabling citizens to decisively exercise their democratic rights. Media literacy enables the populace to understand and contribute to public discourse, and, eventually, make sound decisions when electing their leaders. People who are media literate can adopt a critical stance when decoding media messages, no matter their views regarding a position.

The significance of media literacy in schools is to impart students with skills that enable them to critically analyze and understand media messages. Media can have a positive or negative impact on society. Media literacy enables the students to discern inescapable risks of manipulation and bias through the media. It is, therefore, imperative to include media education in the curriculum of the primary schools as this will boost the efforts towards having a society that is media literate. The teachers play a significant role in the process of shaping a media literate society. It is, therefore, important to train teachers in higher education about media literacy as this will positively impact the pre-service. Furthermore, when teaching the students about media literacy, the teachers can discuss with them recent research and trends related to media. This will enable the students to understand the importance of media literacy and participate in a more disciplined study of various sources. Most universities have quality resources related to media literacy, which is useful for the students.