Media Literacy
Media is any form of mass-communication. Movies, TV, radio, magazines, websites, and newspapers are all forms of media.
Literacy is awareness, knowledge and/or an understanding of a particular topic.
Media literacy is the skill of being aware and understanding what is being communicated to you through media.
Why Should I be Media Literate?
Having a skill set that allows you to be critical of media message will help you:
Form your own opinions
Make your own decisions
Improve your critical thinking skills
Become a wise consumer
Questioning the Media
VIDEO
Have you ever wondered how content on TV, online and in magazines impacts personal beliefs, attitudes and actions?
Media often glamorizes and normalizes unhealthy behaviors, ultimately affecting our overall health and well-being
These advertisements are sending us the message that these unhealthy habits are cool and normal, but in reality certain habits can be deadly
Questioning and searching for hidden ideas and messages will allow you to be your own person and create your own identity.
Learn how to question the media
Reflect on your own actions. Ask yourself, why you do the things you do
Know that what you see on TV, movies, magazines, online etc. are not always reality
Know that big corporations target young people and try to manipulate their thoughts and beliefs to sell their product
Be harsh. Criticize what you see on TV, online and in magazines
Challenge these messages. Ask, what message is being sent to the audience?
Form your own opinions. Make your own decisions
Take Action
Want to take action against the media manipulating youth through movies and television?
Put a stop to the myth that dark artificially tanned skin is healthy
Request a Postcard
Put a stop to the tobacco industry manipulating young people
Sign the online Petition
Deconstruct advertisements, pictures and movie clips for hidden ideas & messages
Join the iThink Campaign
Get tobacco exposure out of youth-rated movies
Send an advocacy Email
Media Influence Facts
Being media literate does not mean refusing to watch, read or listen to things; it means thinking critically about what you see and forming your own opinions Tobacco companies have specifically targeted teenagers as young as 13 years of age Several studies have documented that young children request more junk food after viewing commercials Research has found that adolescent drinkers are more likely to have been exposed to alcohol advertising Studies have found that children exposed to cigarette ads or promotions are more likely to become smokers themselves
