Five Easy Steps To Become More Media Literate
↪ And Support Journalism
Whilst working on a video all about media literacy, a grab of which can be seen above, I’ve couldn’t help but compile a list of some of the points that I was trying to make in order to promote better media literacy. Below are ten easy steps to become more media literate.
1. Download Twitter
“The more media-literate you are, the less likely you will be tricked by propaganda” –@BrianStelter https://t.co/FgbqiGtr1z
— Reliable Sources (@ReliableSources) November 20, 2016
Download Twitter. You may not know how to use it. You might now know how to use it. You may even think that it is a dying company, you know, with one of it’s most recent asset shutters. Trust me, it’s worth it. Twitter organizes its tweets chronologically with the few algorithms in place shifting the order of tweets in relevance. All of which is run by an algorithm which can be turned off in settings. Unlike Facebook, Twitter will not hide news that you do not like from you. It will not plush pieces in your face to reassure yourself in an opinion with trash articles. Even if you do not know a single person on Twitter, use it to follow the news sites that you want, and the news sites that you don’t. Follow @nytimes, the twitter account of the New York Times. Follow the Wall Street Journal. Follow CNN, The Intercept, Vox Media’s entire library of publications , The Washington Post, and A.P. to start off your list. You can grow from there, but commit to following the media that will not enforce your already standing opinions, and keep you informed is a good first step.
2. Stop Using Facebook For News
This one is a simple flip from number one. By using Facebook for news, you’re playing into an algorithm that shifts around content to entertain you, no matter how false or true it may be. Unless it comes from a reputable source, such as those listed above, you should not trust it straight out. Especially if a family member shares it. People are people, and family, when it comes to facts and politics, is not to be outright trusted. The only reason why you should trust this article is that I study journalism full time at a University. I also am extremely passionate about this field, and have been conducting self research, and have worked in the online content industry for a collection of years. Don’t trust algorithms on Facebook. Please be diligent.
3. Support Journalism - Turn Off Your Ad Blocker
Nothing is free. Why then do most people act like journalism is? This one you can imagine, hits particularly close to home for me, and many of my friends who are journalism majors. How can we provide you with a necessary civil service, watching the world to prevent misguided conduct and evil, for free?
Revenue for digital media overwhelmingly, according to Pew Research Center, is based on advertising. Digital journalistic information and news cycles rest on the shoulders of Facebook, Google, and a collection of other sources. Your eyes are revenue. Each year, the number of Ad Blocker users increases by millions of people. Millions of people basically stealing the work of professionals who spend every day studying and working to prevent a worse future than today, and to make your day better through the stories that we tell.
Now, to rectify this problem, if you use Ad Blocker simply turn it off on journalistic sites and when viewing publications. That, or buy subscriptions to support your publications while getting ad-less designs and articles. Your eyes are the easiest way to support journalists, while never spending a direct dollar out of your pocket. Sure it’s annoying, but so is being the dumbest person at the dinner table, or voting for something that you realize actually was not in your best interest because your mother said something and you never checked her on it.
4. Share News Articles - Be Willing to be Wrong
There’s nothing wrong with being wrong. No matter how unpleasant it feels, open your mind to others and different opinions. Have the occasional discussion with opposing viewpoints. Don’t scream. Don’t accuse. Don’t assume. Talk through your dispute, and maybe come away from it with a better appreciation, if not a more open and palpable mind. Share good journalism, engage with writers, partake in the story. We’re all living it.
5. Give Us A Chance
I know that after the election, many readers felt betrayed by the news media. Take this as a chance to step back, and give us a chance to do better. Us new age journalists have plenty of ideas on how to tell the best stories, with the most accurate information, whilst keeping you informed. Don’t fall for fake news. Trust the right sources. Stay diligent. Thank you.
If you want to give my vision for a new type of online publication, follow The Annotation on Twitter, Facebook (you can trust us) and visit our site: