As stated by Trilling and Fadel, media literacy is the ability to understand both how and why media messages are constructed, and for what purposes. It allows you to examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors. Finally, it allows you to apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the access and use of media. (2013) Having a PLN that values media literacy will improve the critical thinking and information sharing in the entire PLN. Having individuals who are able to understand the dynamics and trickery of the media will be a massive asset to your PLN. The media is very creative with their manufacturing of different narratives, and it can be very easy to fall victim to some of these narratives. Understanding the nuances and deception will allow individuals to get the most out of the media.

It is important to understand the way the media works because there is a lot of misinformation thrown around, and you must be able to analyze and separate the good information from the bad information. It also is important to view issues from all sides and come to an overall conclusion based on the information you have seen.

 

Reference

Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2013). 21st century skills. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.