STEM 4_Group 2

Then came broadcasting as a medium of information—broadcast media started in a temporary station where the first radio transmission was first made in 1895. From then on, media went from mass publication to radio transmitting, where it is only available to radios, to being available in televisions, until it is now incorporated in the new media. True to its name, new media indeed gave us new and efficient ways of communication—this started when technology was invented and the internet was then widely used. Media, regardless of type, gives us the opportunity to learn what the world has to offer. It helps keep us in touch with reality and what is happening in the world around us. Media also allows us to analyze the information we receive. By doing so, media gives anyone and everyone the opportunity to create their own respective opinions about different topics and concepts. Such mental exercise strengthens our personality since we adhere to some opinions and oppose others. The important thing is that, in the process, our opinions and perspectives develop peacefully while respecting those who think differently from us. Because of this, the media is very important for education, as it helps to develop a critical sense in children and teenagers. Media had came all the way from stones to papers to signals to transmissions being visually available and to being easily accessed in gadgets—it simultaneously evolves with the society around it, and it always will because information brings change as change brings information.

Along with the rise of the internet and its capability to provide an easier way to acquire information and prompt an efficient way of communicating—is information disorder. Information disorder is defined as the sharing or developing of false information with or without the intent of harming  (igi-global.com). These are commonly found on different social media platforms where it is spread to a much larger audience and are popularly known as fake news—and people being people, we somehow tend to believe these posts as factual information simply because it is found on the internet, and that shouldn’t be the case. As we approach a contemporary era, we use social media platforms and online classes to continue educating ourselves, but how can we be certain that what we acquire on the web is a hundred percent accurate? It is an issue of critical thinking; it is okay to be cautious and to not place too much confidence in internet media, considering the prevalence of bogus information. Nowadays,  not everything you see, learn, or hear is factual. And this is why information literacy is a very much needed characteristic/trait as a responsible online user—because by being an information literate individual, we are able to assess the information that is being presented online and evaluate its accuracy, factuality, and validity.

Multiple notable instances display the love-hate relationship between the media and government. Politics is one the most well-known and the most controversial among these topics. Whenever there is an election for a government position, the media proves to be an active participant regardless of country. The media benefits by learning and expressing their opinions about the politicians who hold the country, whereas the government or politicians profit by learning about their enemies and gaining public exposure. However, when these benefits allow each party to become excessive, that is when things become worrying.  Some situations like the media becoming nitpicky while the government does questionable things may occur more often. In this modern age, social media is a powerful thing many have access to today. Social media is a place where one can share their opinions, and others can look back on it. With this power, multiple scandals and exposures may happen. In the end, the media and the government affect each other in both good and bad ways. The relationship between them is both mutually helpful and destructive. One we all consider being a love-hate relationship that is full of drama.

To become media literate, you must learn to identify the appropriate questions about what you are seeing, reading, or listening to. To be information literate, you must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the competence to seek, analyze, and use that information. Respect and self-control are necessary to become media and information literate. We must be cautious as to what we say and publish on social media. We must take full responsibility for every action we take. Many media and social media users are illiterate and irresponsible. We tend to overlook the appropriate behavior and basic etiquette that we must practice as individuals because of our independence and liberty. Most of the time, we are misusing the freedom that we have, and we are unaware of it. Lastly, the value is in your audience. This position, we believe, is important as culture evolves away from traditional sources and toward technology as a source. Most importantly, it does not ignore the human factor. Being a media and information literate individual has significant importance, in our opinion, if one becomes a resource and translator of current knowledge into media or possesses a good understanding of the information in the media and can work with others in using and/or sharing information.