Media literacy involves understanding and using all forms of media, including critical thinking skills such as bias analysis and identifying propaganda. Literacy includes visual literacy, and is important for integration into society. Different types of media require different skills, and media literacy courses help develop practical skills and understanding of the media industry.
Media literacy refers to the ability to understand and use all forms of modern media. Media types include written sources such as newspapers and magazines, visual sources such as television programmes, and audio sources such as radio. Elements of media literacy extend beyond understanding and using media, towards elements of critical thinking such as bias, analysis, and identifying propaganda.
Literacy is a broad term for being able to read and write. This goes beyond copying to demonstrate clear understanding. This forms the basis of the China Room Theory which demonstrates that computers are not literate because they lack understanding. Literacy also includes visual literacy, which is the understanding and use of visual media such as images and photographs.
The concept of literacy is important in helping people integrate into society and lift themselves out of poverty. The highest levels of literacy are found in North America, Europe and East Asia. The lowest levels are found in the poorest elements of society and in the poorest parts of the world such as Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Different types of media are covered by the term media literacy. Each type of media has unique factors in it. Radio literacy is based on audio skills only, while television and film media include both visual and audio skills. Written media such as newspapers and magazines may have photographs, but are largely word-based. This means that in order to be media literate, the student must develop traditional literacy skills and visual literacy skills.
The number of media literacy courses developed in the second half of the 20th century. First introduced to America by English teachers, it is now a central, if subtle, element of the teaching of English language, literature and history. Such courses can become more developed and distinct at higher levels, leading to graduate and undergraduate courses in media. Teaching media literacy helped develop critical thinking skills on propaganda, bias and censorship.
Studying media literacy also helps develop a range of practical skills. This includes basic skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. It also includes the production and writing of media such as articles, films and videos. The more developed courses also teach students the practical elements of media production such as research, prop design, editing, and promotion.
Being media-literate also means being able to understand how the media industry operates. This includes topics such as media ownership, the difference between public and private operators and corporate structures. It also means being able to understand media accountability and the effect media irresponsibility can have.
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