Digital and Media Literacy

The Importance of Digital and Media Literacy 

As the global population grows and digital media increases, an education in digital and media literacy is essential for the current and future generations of the world. 

Digital and media literacy are similar in the respect that they teach individuals how to interact with the media they encounter. They are also equally important to improving our "media landscape" as a society. But when you take a closer look at their individual meanings and purpose, there is a clear difference between the two. 

Digital literacy is "an individual's ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information by utilizing typing or digital media platforms". Focusing on digital media platforms and understanding how we consume the different forms of media is an important aspect of digital literacy. 

Media literacy is "the ability to critically analyze stories presented in the mass media and to determine their accuracy or credibility". And is such an important skill to have in the 21st century. 

With the understanding of what digital and media literacy are separate, what exactly is digital media literacy? It is the ability to "critically, effectively and responsibly access, use, understand and engage with media of all kinds". Digital media literacy is becoming increasingly important as it becomes a vital part of our society. Educating ourselves and advocating for ways to educate others is such an important step to establishing America (and the rest of the world) as an efficient leader in digital media literacy. 

Becoming digital and media literate is such an important step in protecting ourselves against fake news, and artificial intelligence, and allows us to effectively engage with media of all kinds. 

@trashling Reply to @milkywaydae aaa this is so long but yes! PASSION! MEDIA LITERACY!! #medialiteracy #fyp #foryou #booktok ♬ SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY - Remix - Amaarae & Kali Uchis

 Advocating for media literacy education is important, but there are so many ways that we can effectively educate ourselves. In the TikTok linked above, she advocates for improving individual media literacy. One of the ways to accomplish this is by asking yourself "Why was this made" to every single media you encounter. Everything online was made for a reason, whether it be silly or meaningful, and it is important to understand that reason. Sometimes media can be straightforward and factual, and other times it can be posted with an agenda, and it's up to the individual to dissect this information as a form of protection.

As Americans, we have the right to freedom of speech, but it, unfortunately, does not protect us from the spread of fake news and misinformation. There is an alarming amount of fake news on the internet and without the proper education and advocation for digital media literacy, millions of people could fall victim to the false information posted every single day.

A teacher on TikTok has shared some of her techniques for educating her students on digital media literacy. 

@toopoolforschool How I teach digital media literacy! #teachertips #medialiteracy #learning #historyteacher #digitalmedialiteracy ♬ original sound - Emily Pool

Teachers like Emily Pool (@toopoolforschool) are focused on educating future generations in digital media literacy. Building a firm foundation of understanding digital and media literacy for younger generations is an important step to protecting the future of digital media.

Conclusion

All media is biased. Becoming digital and media literate is important to educate ourselves about the media that we consume. Digital media literacy provides us with the tools that we need to be competent media consumers.