how to improve your media literacy

a master list of tools & resources

Hey guys, I was speechless by the sheer number of people showing me support from my most recent post “media literacy: dead and streaming.” I’m still reeling from the fact that what I initially thought would just be a rant has resonated with so many of you. Thank you for engaging with the post, for sharing your stories, and for reminding me that these conversations matter.

As many of you requested the tools and resources I use with my students, I’ve compiled a quick, comprehensive guide that will hopefully help anyone looking to strengthen and sharpen their media literacy skills. Let me know if you find these useful or have your own recommendations to share!

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In today’s fast-paced digital age, media literacy is an essential skill for navigating the vast amount of information we encounter daily. From news articles and social media posts to advertisements and videos, distinguishing credible content from misinformation has become increasingly challenging.

Media literacy involves the following:

1. Access

2. Analyze

3. Evaluate

4. Create

5. Act

To help improve these skills, this guide offers a comprehensive master list of tools and resources, but I will focus on the first three core aspects (access, analyze, and evaluate) to provide a more audience-centered perspective.

Accessing reliable media and information is the foundation of media literacy. Developing the skills and using the right tools to access trustworthy and diverse content ensures you're starting with accurate, relevant, and unbiased material.

1. Identify and Recognize Credible Sources

   1. Established Media Organizations: Seek information from well-known, reputable outlets with a history of accurate reporting.

   2. KEY characteristics of reliable sources

      1. Clearly stated authorship.

      2. Transparent funding and ownership.

      3. Fact-checked, corroborated reports.

      4. A clear separation between news and opinion pieces.

   3. Fact-Check the sources

      1. Search for the author’s credentials to ensure they are qualified in the field they are reporting on.

      2. Use databases to verify a source’s reliability, bias, and factual accuracy. Some resources are:

         1. Politifact

         2. FactCheck

         3. Fact Check (Washington Post)

         4. OpenSecrets

2. Always Use Technology to Access Diverse Perspectives

   1. A rule of thumb that I have learned from my dad is to always read the other side of any argument or perspective, regardless of whether I agree with it or not. He emphasized the importance of understanding differing viewpoints to challenge my biases and broaden my perspective. This is arguably one of the BEST ways to piece together the “larger picture.”

   2. Access regional news platforms to understand local perspectives on global issues.

3. Be Intentional About Search Practices

   1. Instead of relying on top results, refine searches with keywords like [site: .edu] or [filetype: pdf] for credible sources.

   2. Diversify your search engines.

   3. Access news from diverse mediums.

      1. Traditional Media (TV, Radio, Print)

      2. Social Media (WITH CAUTION)

      3. Podcasts and Documentaries

   4. Understand Algorithm Bias

      1. Algorithms prioritize content based on past engagement, creating "echo chambers" that reinforce biases.

      2. To break out:

         1. Use private or incognito browsing.

         2. Seek out contrasting views intentionally by engaging with diverse platforms.

         3. Regularly clear cookies or data to reset algorithmic preferences.

By intentionally seeking out credible sources, leveraging technology, and engaging with diverse perspectives, you can strengthen your ability to access reliable information. Mastering access is the first and most crucial step in becoming a critical consumer of media.

To improve your ability to analyze media effectively, focus on developing specific skills and applying structured methods to critically evaluate content.

1. Understand What “Analyze” Means in Media Literacy

   1. Analysis involves breaking down a piece of media into its components to understand its purpose, message, methods, and impact. It requires looking beyond surface-level content to identify biases, intentions, techniques, and implications.

2. Steps to Analyze Media

   1. Contextualize the Media

      1. Who created it?

         1. Research the creator (individual, organization, or corporation) to understand their background, affiliations, and potential biases.

      2. What is its purpose?

         1. Determine if the media was created to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell a product.

      3. When and where was it created?

         1. Analyze the timing and setting of the media’s production, which may reveal political, social, or cultural influences.

      4. How is it distributed?

         1. Consider the medium (e.g., social media, TV, print) and how that impacts the reach and interpretation of the message.

   2. Break Down the Content

      1. Identify the main ideas.

         1. What are the explicit messages? Are there underlying or implied messages?

      2. Examine key elements.

         1. Headlines, visuals, captions, images, diction, tone, and etc.

      3. Evaluate the techniques used.

         1. Rhetorical Devices (Ethos, Pathos, Logos, Kairos)

         2. Literary Devices

         3. Authorial Choices

   3. Identify Bias and Perspective

      1. Whose perspective is represented? Whose is excluded?

      2. How are issues or people depicted? What aspects are emphasized or downplayed?

      3. Language and Imagery: Look for loaded terms, selective visuals, or stereotypes that signal bias.

         1. Learn & know how to identify Logical Fallacies

   4. Examine Evidence and Credibility

      1. Source of Information: Is the content based on verified facts or unsubstantiated claims?

      2. Reliability of Data: Are statistics, quotes, or case studies cited accurately?

      3. Diverse Perspectives: Does the media acknowledge or ignore alternative viewpoints?

   5. Consider Audience Impact

      1. Who is the target audience?

         1. Consider age, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.

      2. How might different groups interpret it?

         1. A message may resonate differently depending on personal experiences or biases.

      3. What emotions does it evoke?

         1. Media often uses fear, hope, or outrage to influence the audience’s response.

3. Practice Analyzing Different Media Types

   (If needed, I can make a detailed guide for each text type, let me know!)

   1. News Articles

      1. Look for balance and neutrality.

      2. Identify loaded language and whether both sides of an issue are represented.

      3. Check the sources cited for credibility.

   2. Social Media

      1. Evaluate the content creator’s credibility.

      2. Analyze how algorithms or trends may amplify certain messages.

      3. Be cautious of visuals and headlines designed to evoke strong emotional reactions.

   3. Visual Media (Ads, Videos, Documentaries)

      1. Examine visual techniques such as color, lighting, and composition.

      2. Analyze how music or narration influences tone and audience perception.

   4. Academic or Research-Based Media

      1. Look for citations and peer-reviewed sources.

      2. Evaluate methodology, sample size, and potential biases in research studies.

4. Develop Consistency in Analysis

   1. Make media analysis a habit.

      1. Reflect on the media you see daily.

      2. Actively interrogate the credibility of information before sharing or reacting.

      3. Discussing media critically with peers to gain diverse perspectives.

By following these steps and using structured methods, you can improve your ability to analyze media critically, gaining a deeper understanding of how messages are constructed and the impact they have on audiences.

Evaluating media is the process of assessing the credibility, relevance, accuracy, and impact of the information presented. To evaluate effectively, you must critically examine the content, its source, and the methods used to communicate the message.

1. Understand the Purpose of Evaluation

   1. Why Evaluate?

      1. To determine whether the media is credible and reliable.

      2. To assess its relevance to your needs or the topic you are exploring.

      3. To understand the intent behind the message (e.g., to inform, persuade, or entertain).

   2. KEY Questions to Ask Yourself:

      1. Is this information truthful and unbiased?

      2. Does it provide enough evidence to support its claims?

      3. Is the message appropriate for the intended audience?

2. Components of Evaluation

   1. Evaluate the Source

      1. Authority and Expertise: Look for credentials, affiliations, or a history of credible work.

      2. Publisher Reputation: Is the source well-known and respected?

      3. Transparency: Does the source disclose its funding, ownership, or potential conflicts of interest?

   2. Evaluate the Content

      1. Accuracy

         1. Cross-check the facts and statistics provided with reputable sources.

         2. Ensure quotes are properly attributed and not taken out of context.

      2. Clarity: Is the information clear, detailed, and thorough, or does it oversimplify complex issues?

      3. Balance: Look for phrases or tones that suggest bias (e.g., emotionally charged language like “outrageous,” “ridiculous,” or “brilliant”).

   3. Evaluate the Evidence

      1. Citations & References: Are sources cited? Are the references credible and relevant?

      2. Primary vs. Secondary Evidence: Is the information firsthand (e.g., interviews, official reports) or secondhand (e.g., interpretations or opinions)?

      3. Context: Is the evidence placed within the appropriate context, or is it misleadingly framed?

   4. Evaluate the Medium

      1. Platform: Is the media format (e.g., print, video, social media) appropriate for the topic?

      2. Algorithmic Bias: Does the platform’s algorithm prioritize sensational or biased content for clicks and engagement?

3. Apply Evaluation Frameworks

   1. CRAAP Test

      1. Currency: Is the information recent and relevant to the topic?

      2. Relevance: Does the content meet your specific needs or questions

      3. Authority: Is the creator credible and knowledgeable?

      4. Accuracy: Is the content supported by reliable evidence?

      5. Purpose: Why was this media created, and does it have hidden biases?

   2. SOAPSTone

      1. Speaker: Who is the author or creator?

      2. Occasion: What is the context of the media’s creation?

      3. Audience: Who is the media intended for, and how might that shape the message?

      4. Purpose: What does the creator aim to achieve?

      5. Subject: What is the main idea or message?

      6. Tone: What is the emotional or stylistic tone used?

4. Evaluate Over Time

   1. Track Consistency: Check if the creator or source maintains reliability across different pieces of content. Do their past works demonstrate accuracy, balance, and credibility?

   2. Reevaluate Regularly: Information can change as new facts emerge. Stay open to revisiting your evaluation as needed.

By systematically evaluating media through these detailed steps, you can distinguish reliable content from misinformation and engage with media critically and thoughtfully.

• Media Literacy Now

  • Offers one of the most extensive collections of resources available for developing media literacy skills. Their comprehensive library includes downloadable guides for educators and students of all ages.

• NAMLE

  • Media Literacy Handbook for Google

  • AI Guide for Parents & Students

  • Parent’s Guide to Media Literacy

• National Council for the Social Studies

  • Teaching resources on developing media literacy.

• Our Information Emergency: Navigating the Media Environment in 2021

  • Free Harvard University Course in exploring the underlying forces that are shaping today’s media environment.

• Media Literacy Clearinghouse

  • From lesson plans and teaching guides to articles on the latest media trends, the Clearinghouse provides practical and accessible materials that address the complexities of today’s media landscape.

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