Media Constructs Reality - Key Concept #1 PDF

Key Concept #1: Media Constructs Reality  2 Key Concept Overview ✘ Media literacy is a process with 7 Key Concepts; each with a primary goal and opportunities for critical thought. ✘ Key Concept #1 – “Media Constructs Realit...

Key Concept #1: Media Constructs Reality  2 Key Concept Overview ✘ Media literacy is a process with 7 Key Concepts; each with a primary goal and opportunities for critical thought. ✘ Key Concept #1 – “Media Constructs Reality” – is about how the media shapes our perception of the world. ✘ We all have an idea of how the world works; a picture that we’ve developed – since birth – through observations and experiences.  3 What does it Mean? ✘ Key concept #1 reminds us that a LOT of what we believe was learned through media texts. ✘ Every media text is designed by individuals with creative control and the power to make decisions. ✘ These decisions are directly influenced by a producers opinions, assumptions and – most importantly - their own interactions with media. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/media-literacypptx/266090335  4 Window’s or Frames? ✘ We want to think of media texts like Windows – an unfiltered view of the world. ✘ Instead, media texts are more like Frames that select and direct our attention. ✘ The media is always based on a creator’s own point of view; allowing media texts to be inspired by the world, but not directly represent it. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/digital- media-literacy-fundamentals/key-concepts-digital-media%C2%A0literacy  5 For Example… ✘ Originally developed by Jim Henson, the Muppets are characters with defined personalities, wants, and needs. ✘ Audiences have come to expect and respect those traits. Though we know they are not real, we still treat them like real actors. ✘ Just like the Muppets, we want to treat the media as if its real despite evidence that proves its not.  6 Important Discussions ✘ As an audience, we assume that our only role in media is to be passive observers - that is NOT true. ✘ Key concept #1 is the foundation of media literacy for a reason: - It pushes us to become active participants when faced with misinformation and stereotypes. - It provides us with the tools necessary to deconstruct media in ALL its forms.  7 What are Stereotypes? ✘ Stereotypes are ideas that simplify a person or group in negative ways. ✘ They do this by ignoring the differences that make people unique. ✘ Stereotypes are common because they are easy to understand and familiar to audiences - even when they are not true.  8 What is Misinformation? Misinformation is false or inaccurate info that is spread to an audience. Misinformation is NOT intentional; examples include errors in reporting, sharing unverified or debunked information, or presenting info out- of-context. When you knowingly share fake news or lie about information on purpose, you are actually spreading disinformation.  9 What is Deconstruction? ✘ Deconstruction is an analysis of media content to understand its underlying messages, meanings, and structures. ✘ Media literacy is defined by this process, with each concept representing a unique opportunity for critical thought. ✘ Think of key concept #1 as a lens for general understanding; ask yourself “who is the intended audience” and “what is the purpose”?