Sunday, September 5, 2010

What is Media Literacy

The definition of media literacy is, “possessing knowledge to be competent in assessing messages carried by mass media.” (Vivian, 6) But I think it is much more than that. This chapter talks a lot about the different ways that media can be delivered and perceived and I think that is the key to media literacy. Depending on how you receive your daily doses of media will alter the way you perceive it. For example, if you watch FOX news you may receive a different view point on a certain topic than if you watch the NBC Nightly News.

I found it really interesting to read about moral consensus. Everyone has their own standards on whats expectable in the media and whats not however the chapter explains that the media clearly covers stories and for the most part they don’t create them. “Seldom the media create controversy. For the most part, media merely cover it.” (Vivian, 11) Media literacy as a whole defines the way you as an individual sees things. If you don't have the knowledge, then you wont understand what the media is trying to convey to you. It is important to be competent and understand the messages they are trying to send.

1 comment:

  1. I agree when you say that the way in which media is delivered to you affects the way you perceive it. Many news broadcasters are biased in the way they present their information. This in turn manipulates the way you receive the information you are given through this particular outlet.

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