Media Literacy

The National Association for Media Literacy Education

Authorship: 

• Who made this?

• Who was and was not involved in the creation of this?

• When was this made?

Purpose:

• Why was this made?

• What does it want me to do?

• Who is the target audience?

Economics:

• Who paid for this?

• Who makes money from this?

Content:

• What does this want me to think (or think about)?

• What could someone learn from this?

• What meanings, values, and perspectives are obvious, and what are implied?

• What is left out that might be important to know?

Techniques and Format:

• How does the format or method of communication impact my experience with the media?

• Where or how was it shared with the public?

• What techniques are used to communicate meaning, and why?

• How do those techniques communicate this message?

Interpretation:

• What is my interpretation?

• What can I learn about myself by reflecting on my interpretation of this?

• How might different people understand this message differently?

Responses:

• How does this make me feel?

• How do my emotions influence my interpretation of this?

• If I feel the need to respond, what actions could I take that would feel productive?

Credibility:

• Is this fact, opinion, or something else?

• What are the sources of information, ideas, or assertions?

• How credible is this (and how do you know?)

• How do I know I can trust this source to give me credible information about this topic?