Media literacy is critical thinking skills for understanding mass media messages. Early attempts began in 1920s-1930s with British Film Institute. Initially aimed to protect students from media, but education declined. Internet has revived interest in media literacy education
Knight Commission released 15 recommendations for digital literacy in 2009. Most Americans live in "constantly connected" homes with 500+ TV channels. Digital literacy is essential for informed citizenship in information-rich society
Media literacy is the ability to use, understand and create media in various contexts. It includes both traditional and electronic media platforms. DCMS published Online Media Literacy Strategy in 2021
Technology is exponentially advancing, according to Kurzweil's Law of Accelerating Returns. Media use in tweens and teens grew faster during pandemic than pre-pandemic. Generation Alpha (2010-2025) doesn't differentiate between online and offline
Nexcess study shows AI-generated images correctly identified only half the time. Media literacy education crucial for students navigating digital content
Henry Jenkins is a Provost Professor at USC Annenberg School. He co-founded and directed MIT's Comparative Media Studies program. Appointed to Peabody Award board in 2013