Abstract Media literacy education is operating in an increasingly politicized environment, which threatens to jeopardize efforts to incorporate this discipline into school curricula. Media literacy scholars understand that proactively shaping media messages is an effective strategy for withstanding attacks by detractors. Within this context, this call to action urges … [Read more...] about Media Literacy & Ideology
Media Literacy
IREX Community Solution International Intern Comes to IC4ML
IC4ML is excited to welcome Safa Sadeddine, an IREX Community Solutions Program Fellow from Algeria to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a 4-month internship from August through November. She brings with her an incredible skill set as a social media content creator and a media literacy educator in her home country. Through her collaboration with our board members and other interns, we … [Read more...] about IREX Community Solution International Intern Comes to IC4ML
MídiaBox: Media Literacy as Edutainment
It is common to think of lifelong learning as the processes of education structured in curricula - as a continuation of academic education. However, the main challenge in developing public policy on lifelong learning is to think about how it is possible to develop unstructured learning opportunities. How do we learn through entertainment, for example? It is in the field of … [Read more...] about MídiaBox: Media Literacy as Edutainment
Logged in and Stressed Out: How Social Media is Affecting Your Mental Health and What You Can Do About It by Paula Durlofsky
We live in a prominent digital era where technology continues to evolve. These technological advances alter social norms in which society tries to fit into. Evidentially, social media is here to stay which has a detrimental effect on mental health. After thoroughly analyzing Paula Durlofsky’s Logged in and Stressed Out: How Social Media is Affecting Your Mental Health and What … [Read more...] about Logged in and Stressed Out: How Social Media is Affecting Your Mental Health and What You Can Do About It by Paula Durlofsky
The Ecology of Algorithmic Literacy: Extending Practices Beyond Representational Media Literacy
Abstract The significant effect of algorithms on media consumption requires new literacy practices that extend beyond representational media literacy. In this case study, I evaluate traditional media and information literacy instruction in a library setting and argue for the inclusion of algorithmic literacy, which is an essential and foundational skill for source … [Read more...] about The Ecology of Algorithmic Literacy: Extending Practices Beyond Representational Media Literacy
Looking back at Madison: Reflections on the 4th IMLRS
On June 27, 2022, I had the pleasure of welcoming Media Literacy advocates from around the world to my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. Alongside the International Council for Media Literacy (IC4ML), I helped host the fourth International Media Literacy Research Symposium (IMLRS) founded by our President and my supervisor Dr. Belinha De Abreu. At first, it seemed a … [Read more...] about Looking back at Madison: Reflections on the 4th IMLRS
Social Media as a Primary Vehicle for News
In our growing age of technology and increasing dependence on our devices, individuals have turned to digital news rather than broadcast or print to be informed about current events. “In these days of pandemic, protests, economic recession and angst among the world’s population a recently issued report shows that consumers continue to shift away from traditional media sources … [Read more...] about Social Media as a Primary Vehicle for News
The Parasocial Relationships of Twitch
In September of 2020, Dextero reported how popular Twitch streamer “Sweet Anita” collected the tales of multiple female streamers who found themselves facing “police inaction” at the hands of their stalkers (Glaze 2021). Anita notes how her stalker has gone as far as to move “within four minutes of where she lived” and “followed her to a shop and chased her out into the street, … [Read more...] about The Parasocial Relationships of Twitch
Sensationalism in the Media
What is Sensationalism There are numerous definitions for sensationalism. There’s gossip, exploitation of the facts, etc. In today’s society, media sensationalism has become the norm. Journalism in particular, has become the biggest perpetrator of sensationalism. To appear more dramatic and exciting, the truth is frequently exaggerated. All in the name of increasing … [Read more...] about Sensationalism in the Media
The Influence of Social Media on Children
Social media has had a huge influence on children of all ages. There are many positives and negatives to social media. Starting with the positives, social media gives children the ability to connect with their friends and their family members as well. Social media turned into something very positive when the pandemic started. When the pandemic started, young children were able … [Read more...] about The Influence of Social Media on Children
The Issue of Body Image in the Media
Body image is a very sensitive subject when it comes to how it is portrayed in the media and how it affects the lives of the people who witness it. With technological advancements and so many forms of media today, it is easy for unrealistic body standards to be portrayed. You might be shocked to hear that there is correlation between time spent on social media and negative body … [Read more...] about The Issue of Body Image in the Media
Social Media and Its Effects on the Classroom
There is no denying that our social media and networks have transformed the landscape of our entire lives. It is what we live and breathe for every day. They disrupt our sleep schedules, decision-making process, and most importantly our learning and growing development. As a future teacher myself, I am beginning to see the shift in children as young as six and … [Read more...] about Social Media and Its Effects on the Classroom
Just Look Up!: The Sixth IPCC Report, Polar Temperature Spikes, and the Slap Seen Around the World
Don’t Look Up, the Oscar-nominated Netflix film warning of the dangers of an impending planetary crisis, was repeatedly criticized because its satire of US politics and media was seen as a heavy handed and melodramatic caricature. But the spectacle of Will Smith’s live TV assault on Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony and how it obscured alarming climate news, … [Read more...] about Just Look Up!: The Sixth IPCC Report, Polar Temperature Spikes, and the Slap Seen Around the World
Lifelong Learning Culture Demands “Multidimensional Literacy”
Some generations grew up hearing from their parents that if they chose to pursue a career in Medicine or Law, they would carry the "burden" of studying for the rest of their lives. Times have changed; nowadays it must not be considered a “burden.” Today, lifelong learning is the watchword for any citizen and for the development of nations; moreover, it cannot be seen as a … [Read more...] about Lifelong Learning Culture Demands “Multidimensional Literacy”
The Twists of Turning Red
I had the distinct pleasure the other day of sitting down to watch Pixar/Disney's new feature called Turning Red. Now why was it a distinct pleasure? Because my guest for the screening was my 8-year-old godchild. She happens to be the daughter of Moroccan and Arabic parents. She has a very outsized personality and a vocabulary to match. She had seen the film once before me and … [Read more...] about The Twists of Turning Red
Cartoons: Stereotypes and Social Awareness
A topic that I’ve thought about for a while is how cartoons are changing in the midst of our modern society with cancel culture. In recent times, people have spoken out against certain cartoon characters as they portray qualities that reflect current social issues. One example of recent controversy was the removal of the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon from The Simpsons. Apu … [Read more...] about Cartoons: Stereotypes and Social Awareness
The Odessa Steps 1905, 1925, 2022
The best film you've probably never seen comes from 1925 and has never been more relevant than today. In 1905, Russian sailors mutinied on a battleship because of their deplorable living conditions under the officers of Czar Nicholas II. After being forced to eat rotten meat they took over the ship and threw the Russian Czar's officers overboard. In that same year, … [Read more...] about The Odessa Steps 1905, 1925, 2022
Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things
The modern issue with media literacy is our production of big data without any knowledge of how it is being used. As technology advances our understanding of how it operates decreases. I feel it is the media’s job to help inform the public more about ways they can learn and prevent possible threats from appearing in their own homes. One huge area with little attention is the … [Read more...] about Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things
Battle with Barbie Imagery
When people think of media in the modern-day, it's often toxic, which should not be the case. Every adult over fifty had brought up the good old times where not everyone focused on media, technology, and appearance and how wonderful that was. Today we see even the youngest generations manipulated by the media, especially young women, and their desire for the "perfect image." … [Read more...] about Battle with Barbie Imagery
Don’t Look Up! Getting the climate conversation started in Media Literacy
We cannot solve the climate crisis if we don’t discuss it. And the fossil fuel industry knows this. Big Carbon understands that if society takes the climate crisis seriously, it’s the end of their business model. To delay climate action and regulation of their industry, Big Carbon plays the long game to generate climate silence and inaction through public relations and … [Read more...] about Don’t Look Up! Getting the climate conversation started in Media Literacy
