Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict; why does this happen?

In the video interview with Julia Smith, media literacy is best described by her as the constant questioning of the media we consume (Smith, 2021). The conflict around media literacy is a result of individuals not being media literate. Having this skill to question things like the news as well as information online is something that many people do not possess. The term push news and pull news is what we are experiencing today. Prior to the 21st century, we had few news sources informing us. Now we have thousands, and news corporations are trying to grasp our attention to attract views and a following (Smith, 2021). We see conflict when we chose what we want to hear and ignore the opposition. Individuals will choose what they would like to believe resulting in conflict between certain truths. It is not until we look at topics and ideas from a non-biased point of view that we will see conflict being resolved. This starts with being media literate 

What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?

Smith mentions that one of the most important pieces to a PLN that values media literacy is having a wide variety of perspectives from individuals within your PLN. Smith says “It is having objective voices who can provide you with rational guidance when you might be emotionally worked up” (Smith, 2021). Feedback from media-literate individuals is valued because it is the feedback you can trust and grow from. A PLN that is diverse in its beliefs gives the individual a different look at topics. This results in new information learned and well rounds their understanding of the world. Having a PLN that cannot distinguish differences between certain truths and statements results in an enclosed PLN, weakening chances of growth and learning.

References:

Smith, J. (2021, June 6). EDCI 338 – media literacy with Julie Smith. YouTube. Retrieved November 17, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57r3-aEnci0