Is Media and Information Literacy Important?

“Media and information literacy is important in the rapid growth of media and ICTs (information connection technologies). It sees media and information literacy as vital to the empowerment of people, ICTs in education and equitable access to information and knowledge. – UNESCO

For years experts and amateurs alike have asked the question “Is media and information literacy important in the rapid growth of media and information connection technologies? The answer is of course it is important. First let’s define what media literacy and information literacy is. Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media while information literacy 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.

Now how do they contribute to the continued rapid growth of media and information technologies? Well the basis of any technology that has been created is knowledge on how to operate and create it. That is why we need to be media and information literate. Below are some characteristics of what it means to be information and media literate.

Can understands media’s influences and representations

Can make informed independent decisions

Can learn about the world around them

Can build a sense of community

Can maintain public discourse

Can engage in lifelong learning

Can produce information

Can think critically

Can use media or self-expression and creativity

Can use media in a safe and responsible way

Can participate in democracy and the global information network

If you have some or all of these characteristics you can call yourself information and media literate. By just looking on the characteristics if you don’t have any of these then you yourself are not ready to contribute the natural growth of media and information technology. We have advanced in technology so much in the past century. Technology will continue to advance thanks to information and media literate people here on earth.