Like the diagram I listed above shows, media literacy can be understood as the ability to establish, engage, evaluate, and produce media across varieties of publications. It can be closely identified as the ability to strengthen these mentioned literacy skills, as well as the position of yourself within media across platforms and PLN’s. Media literacy is important as the use and understanding of digital media has become the standard for communication across society, and therefore requires individuals to learn how to use it, interact with others, and thus continue communication.
Open dialogues about media literacy and how factual information can create conflict. Why does this happen?
The internet’s widespread existence as a space for open dialogue comes with many benefits: for example, communication of individuals across different experiences, identities, PLN’s. Obtaining media literacy opens opportunistic doors in which you are able to further your interaction on a topic with other people, keep up with the world, and share your experiences/opinions. However, what comes with an internet presence is the risk of falling victim to fake or fraudulent information. Individuals might assume that just because something they have read has a lot of traction from other users, that it must be true because others are believing it too. Additionally, some might find an opinion that supports theirs, and thus upholds their own confirmation bias. To avoid this, users must maintain increased awareness and ultimately critically assess sources they come across. This can be done through having strong media literacy, in which the user can effectively research and evaluate the media presented to them.
What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?
The benefit of having a media literate PLN is that it enables and encourages its users’ understanding of the information presented to them and how this applies to their everyday lives. Ultimately, a better understanding promotes better critical participation. With a strong media literacy, users are not only able to to navigate themselves through spaces of media, and thus expand their PLN with others.
