What is Media & Information Literacy?
With the ever-changing nature of humanity and technology, the definition of literacy has greatly evolved over time. Centuries ago, literacy used to only refer to the ability to read and write. Since then, the widespread presence of media in our everyday lives has given way to a new term - media and information literacy (MIL).
MIL consists of the knowledge, attitudes, and sum of the skills needed to know when and what information is needed; where and how to obtain that information; how to evaluate it critically and organize it once it is found; and how to use it in an ethical way. Media and information literacy is a basic human right in an increasingly digital, interdependent, and global world, and promotes greater social inclusion, collaboration, and citizen journalism. Media and information literacy education serves all ages and skill levels of active participants and citizens in a global media culture.
Today, media and information literacy is the essential 21st-century capability to be proficient in engaging with and smartly evaluating various forms of media that surround us. Being media and information literate helps us to raise critical questions about the media we consume so we can make informed decisions and have control over the stories we share. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the various forms of media. From print media in the form of books and magazines, to broadcast media in the form of television, to digital media in the form of social media, videos, and podcasts, we are faced with an excess of information and communication. However, learning how to responsibly assess and engage with all of these types of media makes us more well-rounded and connected individuals.
Media Smart Citizens believes that every person deserves to learn the indispensable skill of media information literacy. MIL not only allows everyone to be an informed media consumer, but it also provides people with the tools they need to share their messages or stories in a conscientious, effective, and meaningful way.
In addition to Media Smart Citizens, there are a number of organizations with the steadfast mission of supporting and educating people on media information literacy. Some examples include the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), American Library Association (ALA), Media Literacy Now, and Critical Media Project. The more media expands and becomes a central part of our lives, the more organizations will provide people with the proper resources to navigate it.
To be media literate is to know your place within the vast landscape of the media that surrounds us everywhere we go. This includes news, entertainment, social media, literature and advertisements. An empowered democracy is composed of media literate citizens equipped with the skills to examine content critically, evaluate sources, leverage new technology, and protect their privacy. Media Smart Citizens is a MIL advocate offering resources to guide individuals towards best practices for examining different forms of media and becoming more responsible citizens, audience members and powerful content creators.
The practical learning outcomes from our learning resources will:
Strengthen critical thinking skills for making more informed decisions especially when navigating copious forms of media content/ messages,
Provide insights into how institutions shape media messages aligned with their goals,
Foster a greater sense of responsibility in media and information sharing, and
Boost confidence in self-expression and interactions with technology.
We invite you to explore the other learning resources in this section of mediasmartcitizens.com and sign up for updates about Media Smart Citizens on the Community page.
You can also follow us on Instagram @mediasmartcitizens.
Written by: Media Smart Citizens Content Creator Carly Consalvo and Miranda Gilbert.