Media literacy defines one’s capacity to understand, interpret, and use the information received by the media through the different methods of communication.
Media literacy enables one’s interpretation of media texts to awaken their attention on the various aspects of the daily life that the media affects, such as the social and political aspects (Hoechsmann, M., and Poyntz, S.R., 2012). From the television to an advertisement, a radio talk show, and even a video game: media comes in many forms, and is all around us. It is a representation of messages transferred that takes into account a production, a language, a sender, a targeted audience and information in any form it may be presented (Hoechsmann, M., and Poyntz, S.R., 2012). Media literacy is highly subjective to the different histories, nationalities and races present across the world. Media education is increasingly becoming a crucial element of our lives, as it helps gain awareness of how the media shapes and influences elements of our lives.
In fact, the media is influenced by the political economy, by its source, by capitalism, and one thing I for sure learned in this course is that not everything we see or hear is what it seems. I have learned that supporting smaller sources of free media is crucial for the freedom of speech of people especially against capitalism, and the government’s manipulation of us. I will be more aware of the sources of the media, as every aspect of it is calculated and aims to manipulate your mind in a way or another. I will also do my part in spreading as much awareness as possible regarding media literacy and the importance of educating the youth on the media they are constantly exposed to.
Hoechsmann, M., and Poyntz, S.R. (2012) What is Media Literacy? In Media literacies: a critical introduction (pp. 1-16). UK. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.9781405186117
Tracy's Media and Society blog 