Media Literacy

Media literacy is being able to understand mass media. Different media outlets surround all of us every day. It is important to understand what these outlets are and how they influence us. If we lack media literacy then we can become disconnected from the modern world and not be able to function in society. Without mass media the world would be a much larger and more mysterious place. The shrinking of the world through mass media can bring about more understanding and acceptance of different cultures around the world. If someone lacks media literacy then they are much less likely to understand people and the world. Media literacy isn’t just understanding different forms of media, it is also understanding the twenty first century world. Many communities (blogs, social networks, etc.) exist only on the internet. Many people have become dependent on these communities to communicate with friends and family. Mass media has allowed us to experience news as it happens, listen to music and watch television in the palm of our hand, plan travels in minutes and talk to people around the world effortlessly. If you are not media literate chances are you will not be able to compete in the growing search for jobs, keep up with current events, communicate with loved ones, or organize any sort of event. To have media literacy is an essential part of functioning in today's world, life without media literacy is an extremely isolated one.