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

“After that, it’s about teaching the next generation a whole new set of media literacy skills.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

The only effective solution is critical media literacy.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2025

"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

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