Media and Information Literate Citizens: Think Critically, Click Wisely!

Summary

The video script highlights the transformation in information creation and consumption, noting the majority of the world's population is now online. It emphasizes the importance of media and information literacy to counteract the spread of hate speech, disinformation, and privacy violations. UNESCO's second edition of the MIL curriculum offers a framework to enhance critical thinking and digital competencies, empowering individuals to discern misinformation and engage constructively in society, both on and offline.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The internet has become a primary source of information for over half of the world's population, with a significant majority of youth being online.
• 📈 The prevalence of online information raises the question of how to ensure it is used for positive purposes such as promoting dialogue, respect, and support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and democracy.
• 🚫 There is a need to address the negative impacts of online information, including hate speech, disinformation, fake news, and privacy violations.
• 🛡️ Media and information literacy is presented as a crucial tool to combat these challenges and to help individuals benefit from positive opportunities online.
• 🧠 It equips individuals with the skills to interpret and understand information, think critically, and make wise decisions both on and offline.
• 🔍 UNESCO has launched the second edition of the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Curriculum for educators and learners, offering a comprehensive framework.
• 📚 The MIL Curriculum provides a foundation for understanding and navigating the complexities of information in society, helping individuals to discern misinformation.
• 🤔 It encourages active engagement in society by fostering critical thinking and positive online behavior.
• 🌟 Becoming media and information literate empowers citizens to make informed choices and participate effectively in the digital age.
• 📘 The curriculum is not just a guide but a living framework that adapts to the ever-changing landscape of information-based influences.
• 🔑 Media and information literacy is key to supporting citizens to think critically and act wisely in both online and offline environments.

Q & A

How has the creation and consumption of information changed in recent years?

The creation and consumption of information have significantly changed with more than half of the world's population, including over 70 percent of all youth, now being online.

What are the potential negative outcomes of the current information landscape?

Potential negative outcomes include the spread of hate speech, disinformation, fake news, and privacy violations.

What is the purpose of promoting media and information literacy?

Media and information literacy aims to combat challenges like disinformation and empower individuals to use information for public good, support SDGs, democracy, and lifelong learning.

What does UNESCO's second edition of the MIL Curriculum offer?

The second edition of the MIL Curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for information, media, and digital competencies to help individuals spot misinformation and engage positively in society.

What skills does media and information literacy give individuals?

It gives individuals the skills to interpret and understand information, think critically, and make wise decisions both online and offline.

How can media and information literacy help in making sense of ever-changing information-based influences?

By becoming media and information literate citizens, individuals are empowered to make the right choices and navigate through the complexities of information-based influences.

What is the role of media and information literacy in promoting dialogue and respect?

Media and information literacy promotes dialogue and respect by enabling individuals to critically assess information and engage in constructive discussions.

How does media and information literacy support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

It supports SDGs by fostering an informed and engaged citizenry that can contribute to the goals' achievement through responsible information use.

What is the significance of 'click wisely' in the context of media and information literacy?

'Click wisely' emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions when engaging with online content to avoid the spread of misinformation.

How can individuals benefit from positive opportunities in the digital age?

Individuals can benefit by developing media and information literacy skills that allow them to discern reliable information and participate meaningfully in digital environments.

What is the foundation to live by according to the script?

The foundation to live by, as mentioned in the script, is becoming media and information literate to navigate the digital world responsibly and effectively.