We the Consumers: Media Literacy’s Role in Effective Digital Consumerism

We read articles from various media sources, listen to podcasts, and watch YouTube content creators who report “the tea,” news stories, and a plethora of other topics. We scroll through our feeds to see friends, family, and acquaintances argue their political and ideological beliefs. We consume an immense amount of information each day, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. When information is posted to a platform, we either contribute to the solution to misinformation, or we become part of the growing issue. Communications professionals, educators, and content creators influence and encourage thought, therefore media literacy needs to be at the forefront of our practices.

“We the Consumers: Media Literacy’s Role in Effective Digital Consumerism” addresses sensationalism in media, the volume of news that is published, and how the public perception of media affects the evaluation of content. The discussion is designed to provoke further thought in our role as advocates for media literacy, and is an attempt to confront the misinformation crisis on digital platforms. Because constructive conversations are imperative to meaningful media consumption, the presentation also provides potential solutions and ways to welcome discourse that involve media literacy and online content with the general public.