It’s easy to underestimate the importance of media literacy. Media literacy isn’t just about evaluating media content, although that’s important. Media literacy is a set of tools that promote critical thinking and awareness of the behavioral and structural issues we all face as we navigate our increasingly digital world. This includes privacy, the quality of digital information, setting personal boundaries, online behavior, technology use, civic participation and digital problem-solving when faced with bullies and trolls. It also enhances the positive use of media, teaching us how to be more productive and effective in what we use and how we use it.
I had the pleasure of discussing this with Cris Sheridan on a podcast sponsored by Financial Sense Wealth Management.
Dr. Pamela Rutledge is available to reporters for comments on the psychological and social impact of media and technology on individuals, society, organizations and brands.