We Need to Talk About Media Literacy
I’ve long had to defend why a liberal arts degree is just as useful as a STEM degree. English majors? Now is our time to shine!
Media literacy isn’t just about spotting fake news. It’s about understanding who controls narratives, whose voices get amplified or erased, and how bias sneaks into everything from headlines to Hollywood. In a world of algorithm-driven content and disinformation, critical thinking isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Who Tells the Story?
Media has been dominated by a narrow set of voices . Media literacy means recognizing whose perspectives are missing and seeking out diverse sources for a fuller, more accurate picture.
Algorithm Bias & the Filter Bubble
Social media platforms don’t show you the most accurate information — they show you what keeps you engaged. This creates echo chambers, silences underrepresented voices, and amplifies harmful narratives. Understanding how algorithms shape reality is a key part of media literacy.
Representation in Film, TV & News
The way groups are portrayed in media directly impacts how they’re perceived in society. Stereotypes in storytelling — whether in Hollywood or news reporting — shape public opinion, influence policy, and reinforce biases. Media literacy helps us question who is included, who is erased, and how stories are told.
The Power of Misinformation & Disinformation
False narratives don’t affect everyone equally. From voter suppression campaigns to misleading crime statistics, disinformation is often weaponized to manipulate public perception.
Media literacy helps us ask: Who benefits from this narrative, and why is it being pushed?
Accessibility & Media Equity
Not everyone consumes media the same way. Closed captions, audio descriptions, and language accessibility are essential for people with disabilities and non-English speakers. Media literacy includes recognizing the barriers that prevent equitable access to information.
Deepfakes & Synthetic Media
AI-generated images, videos, and voices are making misinformation harder to detect. These tools can be used for good (representation, accessibility, creativity) or bad (manipulation, harassment, political deception). Critical thinking about who is creating media and why is essential.
Who Owns the Media?
A handful of corporations control most mainstream news, film, and publishing industries. Corporate media consolidation limits perspectives and often prioritizes profit over truth. Media literacy means asking: Who funds this? Who benefits from this story? What voices are left out?
The Erasure of Historical Truths
Many historical events — such as the Tulsa Race Massacre, internment camps, and indigenous genocides — were downplayed or omitted from mainstream history for decades. Re-examining history through multiple perspectives is an act of media literacy.
The Criminalization of Certain Groups
Media coverage shapes public perception of crime and justice. Studies show that Black and brown individuals are more likely to be depicted as criminals, while white individuals are often portrayed as complex people who made a mistake. Learning to critically analyze crime reporting is crucial.
What Inspired This?
After coming across a thought provoking reminder someone posted about common things many of us benefit from that would fall under the seemingly forbidden title of DEI.
The post:
The response:
The unchecked bigotry and disdain, the twisting of the audacity of all people wanting to be at the table of decisions in a democracy, and vilifying that very human want. It’s just gross.
To that poster. This whole thing is for you. Do better.
Why Entertainment Won’t Save Us.
• Support accessible media and underrepresented voices.
• Diversify your news sources
• Question who benefits from a given narrative
• Recognize bias in storytelling and algorithms
• Support accessible media and underrepresented voices
• Fact-check before sharing
