In today’s world, we must be mindful of who we are and what we are capable of. In a time where technology is rapidly advancing with software making life easier, it is hard to dissect what is real and what is fake. Literacy does not mean that one is able to read and write, it means you are capable of informing, persuading, and entertaining your audience. According to the National Association for Media Literacy Education, media literacy is “the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication” (Namle). How we communicate determines our viewership and audience. If I chose to write about fashion or beauty, I am likely to attract consumers who fancy one or both. On the other hand, if I incorporate sports or technology, I might engage a broader demographic.
While building a following and fanbase, it is important not to mislead or misinform your audience. A common issue we are currently facing in publishing is misinformation. I often believe that individuals fail to use due diligence or fact check which is one of the reasons why “fake news” exists. Factually, a newsletter about fact-checking and misinformation suggests that “pre-bunking is a way to counter the propaganda techniques at the center of mis-and disinformation” (Poynter). A time where I faced criticism is when I prematurely posted Tom Brady’s retirement from the NFL. Although it was speculation on social media, it was not officially announced by the NFL nor his management. It is rather embarrassing and disappointing to an audience to be fed with false information particularly because content goes viral instantaneously. I now realize the importance of fact checking and the impact it has on the individual as well as the audience.
Citations:
Namle. (2023) https://namle.net/resources/core-principles/
Smalley, S. (September 1, 2022) Poynter. https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/what-is-prebunking-fact-checking/
PM Says 