Media Literacy 

I’m thrilled that we are learning about media literacy, as we are increasingly surrounded by media. It’s everywhere, from the news, posters, television, our phones and social media, radio, magazines, the list goes on. Although we are surrounded by it constantly, I feel as if a lot of us don’t fully understand how media affects our society and ourselves. This is where media literacy, or the skill that allows us to analyze the content, comes in handy. Media literacy helps us to be more knowledgeable and consistent when it comes to getting our information from online. 

The education of media literacy is important now more than ever, as the next generation of students will have a huge advantage when it comes to amplifying their ability to think, learn, communicate, collaborate, and create through the online world (Trilling et.al, 2009). As Julie Smith mentioned in the media literacy podcast, we are in an information “glut”, and it is merely impossible to figure out what’s true and what’s not, which creates a bit more research work for us (3:10-3:25). Being equipped with good media literacy skills is the first step in tackling this arising issue of verifying information. 

Identify the risks and benefits of engaging with a public audience in a media space – what are the risks for a public figure or person in a position of trust (educator, lawyer, government official)?

Engaging with a public audience in a media space is a very risk versus reward situation. As mentioned by Jody Vance in the Media Voices podcast, “everything is a postcard to the world” (19:28). This meaning, if a public figure were to engage with the public audience on a media space and were to overstep in any way, it would come back to haunt them for well, possibly ever. The thing about posting on media spaces is that there are receipts for everything. Every mistake, misinterpreted move, or controversial opinion can be screenshotted or recorded and posted on many platforms, reaching thousands of viewers. On the contrary, Jody also mentioned that the media can expose your strengths, and that you are your brand (19:30-19:32). If you are cautious on what you engage in, your “brand” can serve you well in the online community. 

Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict, why does this happen?

I think this can become a conflict because of the algorithm we all have. Julie Smith talks about this in the podcast a bit, by saying “we are going to choose news outlets that feed part of us” (19:27-19:28) that “part” being the reassurance in our opinions and “we rarely hear messages that we disagree with and that’s by choice and by design” (19:28-19:40).  This is very evident when it comes to formulating many of our opinions. For example, if I’m looking up the nutritional information on broccoli on google, followed by a recipe or cooking video on youtube, sure enough my tik tok will start putting broccoli recipe videos on my homepage, and facebook will start showing me articles on why broccoli is the best vegetable on my timeline, I will see this and instantly understand it to be a fact rather than an opinion. As silly as the broccoli example sounds, it is exactly what happens when it comes to a more serious matter- say politics. The algorithm that is created for you, picks up on what you tend to look at, who you follow, and what you like and share. It caters to you in a way that makes you feel like your opinion is 100% correct, whether it’s true information or not. The media will  never show you the other side of said opinion, unless you look it up yourself. But why would you? You have all the validation you need about your opinion on your timeline already. So when someone says “actually carrots are the best vegetable, I have the article to prove it” that’s where the conflict is created. Who has the credible source and factual information? Neither of the opinions are wrong, at least that’s what their algorithm tells them.

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

The optimal way of having a PLN, is one that values media literacy. That way, your sources and information are credible and correct. I like what Breanne said, that if you want a successful PLN you need to trust who you follow, as well as ensure that people trust you. This is done through media literacy. I remember I used to follow an influencer who created this fund for what I thought was a good cause- but in turn they were exposed for pocketing most of the profits for themselves. I immediately unfollowed and lost interest in their content as I had lost the trust I once had with them. I can’t help but think of the trust I would have lost if I had shared their fundraiser on one of my accounts and someone had donated. Maintaining a PLN that keeps in check with media literacy allows you to remain a respectable member of the online community. 

Resources:

Smith, Julie. (2021). EDCI 338 – MEDIA LITERACY with JULIE SMITH. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57r3-aEnci0

Trilling, Bernie, and Fadel, Charles (2009). 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times. Jossey-Bass. 

Vance, Jody. (2021). Jody Vance – Media Voices. Youtube,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-NnpQJdl0A