media literacy

American  

[mee-dee-uh lit-er-uh-see] / ˈmi di ə ˌlɪt ər ə si /

noun

1. the ability or skills to critically analyze for accuracy, credibility, or evidence of bias the content created and consumed in various media, including radio and television, the internet, and social media.

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Etymology

Origin of media literacy

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Media fatigue is rampant, while media literacy is declining.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

At Culver City High School, Young’s 12th-grade ethnic studies literature class was in the middle of a unit on stereotyping, racial and ethnic representation and media literacy when the news surfaced.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

"For consumers, the media literacy message here is that you're much more emotionally vulnerable or more likely to be swayed by a VR presentation of an advocacy message, especially if the presentation focuses on loss."

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2024

But in terms of cultural policy decisions, there needs to be a normalization of little media literacy practices, Winters said.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2024

The emergence of a networked culture, accompanied by an ethic of media literacy, open discussion and direct action held the promise of a more responsive political system wherever it spread.

From Open Source Democracy by Rushkoff, Douglas