CONFLICTS ON MEDIA LITERACY & FACTUAL INFORMATION – WHY?
Media literacy is the ability to critically analyze stories presented in mass media and determine their accuracy or credibility (Wikipedia contributors, 2023). As Julie Smith explained in the interview, so much information exists that it becomes challenging to figure out which information is true and meaningful (MILLER, 2021).
Conflicts often arise concerning media literacy and factual information due to various reasons. People have different perspectives, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, cultures, and more. When examining the same topic, individuals will inevitably have different views and opinions. Interpretation primarily depends on personal thinking, which is influenced by one’s unique knowledge gained from experiences, education, and beliefs. Moreover, with social media being so powerful and information more accessible, people are easily exposed to different points of view, which can often result in cognitive biases and polarization.
Here is news from KSAT 12 News in San Antonio, Texas, about Media Literacy.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A PLN THAT VALUES MEDIA LITERACY?
The benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy is the supportive group of people it provides. A PLN with members from different professions helps individuals think critically by exchanging feedback and sharing experiences, enabling them to examine information more logically and critically. Moreover, a PLN opens up numerous opportunities to practice media literacy.
For instance, Julie shared her experience of using Twitter to connect with people interested in media literacy, emphasizing that such a reliable network of individuals cannot be assigned a dollar figure (MILLER, 2021). The support Julie received has immensely helped her, making her feel connected with like-minded people and constantly engaged with other educators. It is so crucial to gain perspectives from people outside your immediate circle, as their objective voices can provide rational guidance when emotions run high.
References
How to become media literate, avoid misinformation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVPu8YNWKSAT 12. (2021, January 11). How to become media literate, avoid misinformation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVPu8YNWjQ
MILLER. (2021, June 6). EDCI 338 – MEDIA LITERACY with JULIE SMITH [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57r3-aEnci0
Strengthen media literacy to win the fight against Misinformation (SSIR). (n.d.). (C) 2005-2023. https://ssir.org/articles/entry/strengthen_media_literacy_to_win_the_fight_against_misinformation
Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Media literacy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_literacy#:~:text=Media%20literacy%20is%20an%20expanded,a%20difference%20in%20the%20world.
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