Media literacy is the ability to analyze and evaluate different types of media and the messages they are sending. In today's world, media is a part of our everyday lives. Nonetheless, many people lack the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to understand and interpret the information they receive, and some consumers are unaware of how media sources affect their opinions and decisions. One may strengthen their ability to decipher meaning by reviewing media literacy definitions, terminology, and real-world examples. 

Through these, we become connected to different people around the world. These have a significant influence on the modern culture and become tools in sharing information, ideas, personal messages, and other content and have become more widespread and accessible. 

Today, media literacy instruction focuses heavily on news literacy, or analyzing sources that primarily exist to inform the general public or a target audience. The news literacy definition typically encompasses news in all formats. However, not all news is created equal. Educated consumers should consider the intent and purpose behind each message in order to identify the effects of latent bias. 

• Recognizing Fake News. ...

• Using Multiple Sources. ...

• Gauging Tone and Language. ...

• Questioning Numbers and Figures. ...

• Understanding Images and the Brain. ...

• Developing Multimedia Skills. ...

• Recognizing Bias. ...

• Shaping the Media Ourselves.

Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." 1 Information literacy also is increasingly important in the contemporary environment of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources. Because of the escalating complexity of this environment, individuals are faced with diverse, abundant information choices--in their academic studies, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. Information is available through libraries, community resources, special interest organizations, media, and the Internet--and increasingly, information comes to individuals in unfiltered formats, raising questions about its authenticity, validity, and reliability. In addition, information is available through multiple media, including graphical, aural, and textual, and these pose new challenges for individuals in evaluating and understanding it. The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information pose large challenges for society. The sheer abundance of information will not in itself create a more informed citizenry without a complementary cluster of abilities necessary to use information effectively. 

• Research skills. Research skills allow you to find the solution to an issue or answer to a question by gathering, analyzing and interpreting information about a specific topic. 

• Critical thinking skills. 

• Computer technology skills.

• Communication skills.

Technology literacy is the ability of an individual, working independently and with others, to responsibly, appropriately and effectively use technology tools to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, create and communicate information. 

Technology literacy is a term used to describe an individual’s ability to assess, acquire and communicate information in a fully digital environment. Students who possess technology literacy are able to easily utilize a variety of digital devices (e.g., computers, smartphones, tablets) and interfaces (e.g., e-mail, internet, social media, cloud computing) to communicate, troubleshoot and problem solve in both academic and non-academic surroundings.

Technology literacy refers to a familiarity with digital information and devices, increasingly essential in a modern learning environment. Technology literacy is similar to digital literacy, in that an individual who is technologically or digitally literate is well-versed in thinking critically and communicating by utilizing technology. These individuals understand how to consume, create, authenticate and share digital content, and can easily adapt to new technologies.

Creating content: Posting to social media, making a YouTube video, and writing a blog post fall under content creation. Communication: This example covers simple communication with friends, family, associates, co-workers, and people who share your interests. 

How is being media and information literate helpful in your future life?

Media and information literacy empowers people to think critically about information and use of digital tools. It helps people make informed choices about how they participate in peace building, equality, freedom of expression, dialogue, access to information, and sustainable development.