What Is Media Literacy?

Media literacy is the knowledge and information about the media.  To
be aware about the media is to know that there is a message behind
each part in which we are exposed to.  The average person is directly
involved with some type of media five hours each day and exposed to
another six hours while doing something else.  One-third of our daily
intake of media comes from media multitasking, where more than one
form of media is present.  For example, listening to the radio while
surfing the internet as well as watching TV.  The media unconsciously
surrounds us all the time; there is no escape because our society has
become extremely dependent on it as a primary source of information.
The various forms of media make it easy to stay informed and connected
to the rest of the world.

The media is not only important for global information, but also for
our entertainment.  Whether it is with a cell phone, iPod, magazine,
or computer, the use of media comes in a form of pleasure.  Even
appealing advertisements or commercials grab our attention and
persuade us to buy certain products, especially if a particular
company is doing well.  For example, Apple first came out with the
creative iPod commercials and built its trust with consumers.  After
everyone was satisfied with their product, the company invented the
iPod Touch and it instantly became a popular demand.  The media
portrayed Apple as a strong and well-developed company, causing people
to buy their products.

It is nearly impossible to escape the media nowadays; it has become
the center of all communication throughout the world.  Mass
communication is an easy way to deliver important information because
it can reach a large number of people within seconds.  Society is
becoming more dependent on the media because it is an effective way to
inform people of the news.  From what’s going on in America to who’s
getting married, technology keeps us up to date on all things relevant
to society.  Media literacy is an important quality to possess in
today’s world; our dependence on the media is only going to grow as
new technology is being introduced.  It is important that people are
aware of the media and both its positive and negative effects on our
lives.