Asmita Sharma
Team TeacherTribe
The information landscape of today is ubiquitous, catering to many ideals. This cacophony of content soon develops into islands of unique interests and ideas one associates and interacts with regularly.
With the overwhelming usage of social media over the last decades, the flow of information has never been quicker. Content is now consumed just as fast and the cycle continues. As the number of resources for information and content increases, is it important to be mindful of the media we consume? Is it necessary to critically engage with the media?
Media Literacy:
It refers to the ability to analyse content and apply critical thinking skills to discern the message a piece of media is trying to convey. This may also help recognize the various points of view and a bias in coverage if any.
With a majority of Generation Z learning news through social media, it is easier for them to rely on social media influencers to interpret the news. In many instances, varying degrees of coverage can create a divided public opinion and decrease the practise of fact-checking or reliance on journalistic sources of information. Hence, the need for developing media literacy skills is crucial for students.
Media Literacy can help them navigate through and learn if a media source is putting out misleading and false information. It can also help them learn that many media pieces inherently have a bias and they may not be right or wrong. This can help students have a broader world perspective.
Students today, should be attuned to filtering what they see or hear. The ability allows them to question what they consume and understand the underlying opinions associated with the information.
Applying media literacy
Learning to recognise fake news: Students must learn to read past the headline, check for the date and understand the article's tone or content. It is also helpful to check multiple sources of information to get the right story. This is particularly important when encountering a news story on platforms such as Twitter or Instagram.
Question the numbers and figures: There are many instances where a false study with infographics may suggest one way for the message, but reading behind the maths presented is crucial. Skewed numbers can portray a falsified image and lead us to a certain perception,
Being responsible creators: Creating content can help equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape. When a student broadcasts their message across various platforms, they are influencing digital space and engaging in online dialogue. It is imperative for them to understand the impact of the words they send out to the world. They should get an opportunity to create content in various formats to understand the process behind the scenes and familiarise the world of media to the students.
How can you be mindful of the media you consume as a teacher?
As a consumer of media across platforms, one must learn to be conscious of the information circulated across social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook etc.
Learn to analyse whether the piece of media, news or information is omitting views or diverse perspectives. Cross-check information from multiple sources to form a view on a particular topic. One must also check if the content lists infographics, data and statistics from esteemed and credible sources. Messages and information broadcasted through various media channels serve a purpose and intent. Developing media literacy allows one to identify the purpose, audience and technique used in the message.
Do you think media literacy is a requirement in your classroom? Write to me at asharma@greycaps.com.