Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. It is an expanded conceptualization of literacy that includes the ability to access and analyze media messages as well as create, reflect, and take action, using the power of information and communication to make a difference in the world. Media literacy is not restricted to one medium and is understood as a set of competencies that are essential for work, life, and citizenship. Media literacy education is the process used to advance media literacy competencies, and it is intended to promote awareness of media influence and create an active stance towards both consuming and creating media.
Media literacy education provides tools to help people develop receptive and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate media messages. It also provides the skills needed to be confident and competent media consumers, and empowers people to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators, and active citizens. Media literacy education is part of the curriculum in the United States and some European Union countries, and an interdisciplinary global community of media scholars and educators engages in knowledge and scholarly and professional journals and national membership associations.
