What does media literacy primarily teach individuals to do?

Media literacy primarily teaches individuals to critically analyze, access, evaluate, and produce media. This skill set empowers individuals to understand the various forms of media they encounter daily, enabling them to discern the intention behind the messages, recognize bias, and differentiate between reliable and unreliable information. It also encourages active engagement with media, allowing individuals to not only consume but also create meaningful content.

By cultivating these abilities, media literacy helps individuals navigate the complex media landscape, enhancing their critical thinking and communication skills. Understanding how to evaluate sources and assess the impact of media on society is crucial in today’s information-saturated environment, making the knowledge gained from media literacy essential for informed citizenship.