Media Literacy, Quick and Dirty
a guest post by R. D. Cook.
The term “media literacy” gets thrown around a lot these days. A fandom friend says they avoid Fandom X because “these people have zero media literacy.” Half the school board candidate statements in your local election pamphlet call for “increased media literacy education.” Clickbait news headlines proclaim a “media literacy crisis!” But what exactly is media literacy, and why does it seem like everyone is suddenly talking about it?
What even is media literacy?
Media literacy refers to the ability to understand all forms of media, from TV shows to pop-up ads to social media posts.
Just like there are different levels of literacy when it comes to written language, there are different levels of media literacy. For example, one person might watch Star Wars: Episode IV and understand that Luke went on an adventure, saved Princess Leia, and blew up the Death Star. Another person might also understand that the movie carries an anti-imperialist message. Still another person might recognize the influence of samurai films, and specifically those of Akira Kurosawa, and spend time contemplating the similarities and differences between Jedi and Zen philosophy. All of these people are employing different levels of media literacy.
When people talk about media literacy in the context of schools and education, they’re usually talking about all levels of media literacy, from the most basic surface-level understanding to deep analysis. But when people talk about media literacy in casual conversation, they’re usually talking about the middle levels of media literacy: understanding things like context, subtext, and propaganda.
Why is media literacy important?
Even though it’s been getting a lot of attention recently and the term itself was only coined in the 1990s, the concept of media literacy has been around for over a hundred years. It started to gain traction in the early 20th century, when radio shows were booming and motion pictures first came onto the scene. As the media landscape has changed and evolved, so has the theory and importance of media literacy.
Over the past two decades, media has become more enmeshed in people’s lives. The advent of the internet and things like social media, streaming video, and smartphones mean that most of us are bombarded by media messages every day. At the same time, people who create media content have developed more effective ways to influence us through the media they create. Some of that influence is good—who doesn’t love that feeling of excitement when a new game or show really grabs you?—but more often, it’s used as a tool to get us to keep scrolling, keep buying, keep supporting institutional injustices.
Media literacy is our best defense against those who would use our media-saturated world to manipulate us. It also helps us understand and enjoy the things we watch and listen to on a deeper level. Sinners is a standout movie regardless of how deep you go into it, but there’s a certain delight in catching the references to other vampire fiction and hearing how the musical styles and structures reflect the story and characters.
How do I improve my media literacy?
If you’re new to the concept of media literacy, you can start with looking a little more deeply at the things you love. Pick a favorite show or podcast or webcomic and engage your curiosity! What are the specific elements that you love? Can you spot any references to other media? What things is this piece of media implying that it isn’t stating directly? Are there any parts you wish you understood better? You can research those! Are there any parts that aren’t consistent with your experience of the world? That’s another research opportunity.
When it comes to things like advertising, news, social media posts, or political messaging, you might have to dig a bit deeper. First, and perhaps most importantly: is this message even true? Fact-checking—and double-checking!—is your friend. Who is this message from, and what do they have to gain from you taking this message at face value? If you don’t know who the message is from or it’s unclear what they have to gain, it’s time for more research. What is the message trying to get you to do? Is it something you want to do, or is the message trying to make you angry or fearful enough to do something you might not otherwise.
For a deeper dive into increasing your media literacy, check out the links below.
10 Media Literacy Skills and How To Improve Them
History of Media Literacy
“A most mischievous word”: Neil Postman’s approach to propaganda education
Media’s Role in Propaganda: From Historical Conflicts to Modern Politics
How Stereotyping in Media Perpetuates Bias
The Complete Guide to Media Literacy: Why It Matters Today
How Japanese Culture Shaped Star Wars: From Samurai to Sith
The Importance Of Blues & Folk Music In Sinners Explained
Center for an Informed Public
