When watching a video analyzing a piece of media, it is common to open the comment section and find someone arguing, “It isn’t that deep.” In an age of surface-level media consumption, now is the time to avoid this type of thinking. Whether it’s to decipher a film director’s intended critiques on society or to develop informed opinions on a political movement, media literacy is essential to both understanding the world and playing an active role in it.
Media literacy, the ability to critically analyze and create using all forms of communication in society, involves understanding media’s influence and connecting with its content on a deeper level. It’s not a skill you just “unlock”; it requires consistent work, and even then, you may still make mistakes. Whether it’s a news station with too many biased headlines or people on social media using dog whistles, take these steps toward a better, more conscious future.
The prep: Check the source and watch for bias
Knowing where media comes from provides a more comprehensive understanding of its meaning and reliability — is it a news station, an influencer, or a podcast riddled with bigotry? If a source is not checked for bias, it can encourage an echo chamber that distorts how you perceive the world and people around you.
When online, watch out for red flags that indicate bias: missing information from other perspectives, overly emotional language, selective facts, dramatic headlines, and edited photos. To detect this bias, ask yourselves questions about what you are consuming: Is it comprehensive research and communication between a variety of people? Or is it just pseudoscience hidden by buzzwords? Keep in mind that media commentary — like podcasts or influencer content — is typically questionable due to its facts-to-opinion ratio.
It is also important to research a creator’s beliefs before consuming their work. While a novel, song, television show, or article could seem entertaining at first glance, learning more about the creator’s views may reveal hidden biases or messaging that you wouldn’t have noticed before. If the creator is prejudiced, it will often show up in their work, such as in the design of characters.
The test: Find the real meaning
After prepping on the basics of media literacy, the next step is to examine the full cultural context behind the piece. What does the artist mean by what they created? All media — from films to paintings to popular phrases — contain underlying meaning.
Start by taking into account past instances of harmful messaging, as many of them can still apply to today’s world. Ask yourself questions like “How does this content affect people around me?” or “How does this piece change my perspective about our society?”
Harmful uses of technology are rampant in social media and film. Popular sayings such as “just a girl” or “like a moth to a flame” can push oppressive messaging like misogyny and racism. Historical and current depictions of minorities in film often push racist ideologies hidden behind “crucial” plot points or character development. This can be seen in a lack of casting diversity, directors killing off minority characters, and filmmakers creating “representative” films only to force a “white savior” plotline. Always make sure to listen carefully to what creators are actually saying to better spot these acts of bigotry. It is useful to educate yourself on common hurtful phrases or situations often seen in the media to identify more subtle biases as well.
Media literacy is key to understanding the world as we increasingly become dependent on technology for everything from professional systems to entertainment. With these tips, you can help make a world that supports and uplifts all.
