media literacy

American

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

noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of media literacy

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Media fatigue is rampant, while media literacy is declining.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

On one hand, AI videos that are almost indistinguishable from reality pose a real problem, Ms Lingel said, especially for young kids who don't yet have media literacy.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

People actually need critical literacy — and critical media literacy.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2025

In response, we need robust AI media literacy for our industry and the general public.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023