What is Media Literacy?

Media literacy can be viewed as the ability to decipher the differences between what is being advertised and what is actually being said. The media is known to have subliminal messages, and it is the job of the viewer to comprehend what is actually being advertised. Each different form of the media can be used to advertise different things. For instance the news is used to present factual information, including but not limited to politics, entertainment, and the weather. Though these reporters present the information given, they do not necessarily support a particular politician or actor etc. Any particular television show could also be advertising a product, yet it is the job of the viewer to realize companies pay for their products to be advertised during the show to promote consumption, along with commercial advertisements of the product. It is the job of the public to become literate in the ways of media in order to realize that we are constantly bombarded with advertisements. Media literacy allows the general public to be confident in deciphering these advertisements, allowing for better overall communication. With that in mind it is very important for people to have basic media literacy in order to avoid common miscommunication.