Media Literacy..

Media and communication technologies play a huge part in the recreational and professional aspects of today’s society. Every day, people find ways to innovate messages and ideas in order to appeal to others. This enhances society as it exposes concepts previously ignored or misunderstood encouraging open-mindedness in considering and supporting them as a result. This is the main purpose of media literacy as it encourages people to be analytical and creative in ways that produce a wide range of messages using image, language, and sound. In addition, media literacy encourages others to become critical thinkers and learn to question the bias in information received; therefore, being more active in media culture is important as it leads to a more enlightened and progressive nation.

        

Furthermore, the development of media in the past years is remarkable. Initially, literacy was centered on reading and writing. This all changed though as the Information Age came along with many innovations such as movies, social media, computers, and cell phones. One can hold a device that connects them to the world in the palm of their hands. It is also important to note that through the great technological accomplishments made in fields such as healthcare, the quality of many lives are lengthened and overall improved. The importance of media literacy is to provide a form of defense from information provided obtaining bias and faulty facts. Therefore, the tendency of one to not question the information they’re provided is highly discouraged by media literacy.

Roles such as parenting become enhanced when media literacy is involved. This is because the millennial generation otherwise known as Generation Y have access to all that is out there and without proper training in media literacy, it will be hard to keep them protected. Studies have shown that most infants are able to play computer games and navigate through touch screen devices before they are capable of walking and talking. This proves that it is imperative to question which methods would be best to maximize benefits and minimize potential harm caused by the media-saturated world we live in today.

Moreover, the importance of media literacy also affects one in the professional aspect of their life. Many have recognized the importance of media literacy in the workplace. These advancements lead to economic growth and an overall increase in human capital. In addition, media literacy allows regular individuals to possess marketing skills that were unheard of years ago. This becomes possible because media literacy teaches consumers how to differentiate between news and propaganda. The constant flow of unique techniques that involve public relations and advertising that the average person is exposed to through media. It gives them an awareness of the false advertisements and plethora uses of manipulation that is out there. This awareness allows them to better protect and promote themselves professionally.

Subsequently, the world we're living in today is becoming more dependent on technology every day. The advances being made are changing society on a whole. Looking into the future, having media literacy will become imperative for further elevation. Without it, one cannot be properly prepared to navigate through the constant ideals and pressures presented by media. Even a person who isn't "tech savvy" and refrains from excessive use of technology will be presented with countless forms of media in their everyday life. Whether in the workplace or just through seeing billboards on the side of the road, one simply can't escape the prominent presence of media. Becoming media literate will provide one with skills that will only better them in the future. Truly, the only question to ask oneself when considering media literacy is, "Why not?"

Sites I used in order to find out Media Literacy:

http://www.telegram.com/article/20120905/NEWS/120909939/0

http://www.grcmc.org/medialit/what.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-white/media-literacy_b_3808886.html

http://web2012.discoveryeducation.com/media_literacy.cfm