Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict; why does this happen?
Conflict can arise during open discussions of media literacy and factual information for a variety of reasons. People may feel uncomfortable or dissonant when fresh data is offered that conflicts with their preexisting ideas. Conflict may develop as a result of a protective reaction or an effort to reject the new information. It can be challenging to distinguish between emotions and facts when people have strong emotional ties to particular views or ideologies. Conflict may result from this, especially if the disputed views are deeply ingrained and essential to the identity of the person. People occasionally have beliefs that are supported by false or misleading information. When presented with facts that contradict their ideas, they may dismiss them as incorrect or prejudiced, resulting in conflict. Power relations can also impact discussions about media literacy and factual information. Those in positions of authority or with access to resources, for example, maybe more inclined to influence the narrative, resulting in conflict with individuals who are marginalized or whose viewpoints are not given equal weight. Overall, open debates regarding media literacy and accurate information can be difficult because they might call into question strongly held views and values, and a variety of psychological, emotional, and sociological variables can impact them. It is critical to engage these dialogues with empathy and an openness to learning from others, while also realizing the possibility of conflict and working constructively to resolve it.
What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?
Those who want to develop their information literacy abilities might benefit greatly from having a Personal Learning Network (PLN) that prioritizes media literacy. The capacity to access, analyze, evaluate, and generate media messages is referred to as media literacy, and it is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s digital age when there is a huge amount of information available through numerous media platforms.
Improving critical thinking abilities is one of the key advantages of having a PLN that values media literacy. Interacting with individuals who value media literacy exposes you to various opinions and information sources. This exposure can aid in the development of more advanced critical thinking abilities as well as the ability to assess the material for accuracy and bias. You will be able to identify reputable sources and realize when information is misleading or untrue, allowing you to make better judgements.
Another advantage of being a part of a network that promotes media literacy is having a better understanding of current media trends. As media literacy evolves, being a member of a network that values it may help you keep current on the newest trends and best practices. This might be especially useful if you work in the media or communication fields. You may learn about new media analysis and creation tools and tactics, which will help you remain ahead of the curve in your field.
Finally, having a PLN that values media literacy may provide you with access to a variety of materials, such as articles, podcasts, videos, and webinars, to help you enhance your media literacy abilities. By utilizing this network, you may broaden your knowledge and obtain fresh ideas that you may not have encountered otherwise.
thomasnguyen
March 11, 2023 — 1:24 pm
Hi Nick,
It was a pleasure reading your blog post! I wholeheartedly agree with what you said about differentiating between emotions and facts being challenging for people who have strong emotional ties to a particular view. In my personal experience, there were times when conflict arose from the inability to differentiate between emotion and facts. With the abundance of media, we see on a daily basis, understanding media literacy and the ability to distinguish fact from fiction is important. Great blog post again Nick!