Larry D. Lauer

The consequence of the digital revolution has been an explosion of information, much of which is not checked for accuracy or objectivity.  24/7 news channels, bloggers, and websites that bring information together with various motivations all require consumers to become their own editors. Is it therefore possible to teach consumers how to be selective editors, and to understand the importance of consuming a wide range of viewpoints? If so, where and how can this education take place? And who should be responsible for making it happen?

For example, is it possible for the news media themselves to assume some responsibility for generating a greater awareness of the situation? Certainly traditional news networks and newspapers could offer ongoing public service messages that point out the need to regulate one’s own information consumption. 

With greater public awareness it should be possible to get other initiatives noticed as well. For example, parent-teacher organizations could offer programs on media literacy. I know from experience that these are eager audiences for programs about the effects of media. Other service and religious organizations are also likely to take notice and find such programs to be of interest to their constituents.

Public awareness should also make it easier for schools to offer various types of study units. Elementary teachers  can offer activities that show children how to select the media they use. Social studies and english teachers can incorporate study units into more comprehensive courses. Complete courses on media literacy can be offered for the more highly motivated students.

Think tanks, foundations and associations could be asked to sponsor many of these school and community projects. And some of them might even want to launch projects of their own. Books, articles, study materials, and videos can be produced to support the cause. Websites can act as portals leading to even more information. Blogs can offer ongoing media criticism. And social media campaigns can generate ongoing conversations. All of this has the potential to produce widespread public awareness, and even behavior change.

Experience suggests that the key to increased media literacy is therefore a multi-faceted effort, i.e. combining media messages with more comprehensive courses and public programs. This simultaneous mixture of initiatives could  reach large numbers of people. And even minimal knowledge can make a significant difference. It does not take long to convey how important it is to have an accurate account of what is actually happening in the world, and how to get it. It’s just a matter of getting started.