HI! Do you know what is Media and Information Literacy (MIL) ?
No, not just that, There 3 types of media, that type of media is New media. It’s true to say we live in an increasingly connected world and spend more time than ever before exposed to media in all its myriad shapes and forms, but we need to understand first the basic concepts of media and information literacy .
Sounds interesting, can you please tell me more about it?
What do you mean? Like Internet ? Facebook, IG ? Social media ?
Of course! Broadly speaking, there are 3 types of media: Print media , broadcast media and new media.
Correct! Then we have broadcast media, refers to media that is distributed or transmitted to its audience via the airwaves, such as TV and radio.
Yeah, I know a little about that, media reproduced mechanically via the printing process which is then physically distributed. Like newspapers, printed books, magazines and the likes?
Oh, well I think that's kind' a old-school I guess? Because as most people now are not listening to radio or watching TV.
That’s sad but true, well there are still people using radios and watching TV's specially in the provinces.
Well, new mediarefers to media that is organized and distributed via the various digital platforms that are equal to magazines, newspapers, radio and television. They are consumed on cell phones, laptops, desktops and tablets, and they often contain the same information as the traditional media, although it may be delivered in a different style.
Wow! That's huge because it seems that all with other media types this digital media rely on computers and internet for distribution. And nowadays this is the most used type of media.
I totally agree! By examining what is presented, what is omitted, and how things are framed, we delve deeper into the attitudes, values, politics, and psychology of the media-makers. These will also shine a spotlight on some of our own perceptions, perspectives, and biases too.
Yes, I agree. So, this new media how about it?
Correct! That is why, it is important for us to know the purpose of information. There are a number of legitimate reasons for information to be held by media and other information providers such as museums, archives, the internet, and libraries
These reasons include to: Inform, educate, entertain, gather together , provide access, facilitate teaching and learning, promote values and rights, preserve cultural heritage andsuch.
Then let's include mass media and critical thinking, With video streaming sites, social platforms, digital billboards, and podcasts, electronic media infiltrates many of our waking hours. And, though we have benefited from this mass and instant communication in our personal and business lives, it poses many challenges for us as individuals. We need to develop specific strategies to navigate and filter this potentially overwhelming sea of information.
And these reasons includes?
That is right! These will help us develop a firm foundation for critically engaging with the various media we are exposed to. These will help us to distinguish between factual reporting and fake news and clickbait from measured critique.
Exactly! We need to exercise our critical faculties when engaging with media to avoid passively accepting the views and opinions embedded there. We can begin this process by routinely examining new media in the light of 5 key filtering questions:
Yes, I know that 5 key filtering questions: 1. WHO created this message? 2. WHAT techniques were used to capture the attention? 3. HOW could this message be interpreted bydifferent people? 4. WHY is this message being communicated? 5. WHAT values, views, lifestyles are being expressed or omitted in this message?
In addition to that, In media and information literacy, the ways in which various groups, communities, thoughts, and ideas are portrayed form an important area of study within the subject. Investigations into this area will quickly rid us of the idea that media merely reflects the reality of the world around us.
On point! And also analyzing advertising. Advertisements are pretty ubiquitous. Whether we consume old or new media, advertising will likely play a large part in what we engage with.
No doubt about it, advertising has come a long way since the early 20th century with the obviousness of its radio jingles and roadside billboards.
From sponsored content masquerading as impartial articles to cleverly placed products attempting to sneak in through the backdoor of our subconscious, the omnipresence and complexity of advertising make this is an important area of study within the subject.Well, thank you so much! I learn a lot from you today. I have to go now.
Indeed, advertisements often serve as the main revenue stream to fund the production of many forms of media. In this regard, they can even be considered to perform a valuable function in assisting in the dissemination of information.
Today, advertising comes in ever more subtle and sophisticated guises. At times these can be so understated or indirect that we may not even realize we are being sold to.