History of Media Literacy, Part 1: Crash Course Media Literacy #2

Summary

This script delves into the history and importance of media literacy, tracing its roots to ancient Greece with Plato's concerns about writing. It highlights the evolution of media technology, from the printing press to newspapers, and the impact on literacy and information dissemination. The narrative addresses the rise of sensationalist 'Yellow Journalism' and underscores the enduring need for critical media consumption skills to discern truth from sensationalism in the face of new media forms.

Takeaways

• 📚 Media literacy is a concept as old as media itself, with concerns about its effects dating back to ancient times.
• 📱 The advent of technologies like smartphones and the internet has made media literacy more crucial in modern times.
• 🗣️ Media literacy as a formal field emerged in the 1960s, with roots in various disciplines including philosophy, psychology, and sociology.
• 📜 Ancient Greek philosopher Plato was concerned about the impact of writing on memory and the potential for misinterpretation out of context.
• 📖 The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1452 democratized access to information and challenged the control of the powerful over knowledge.
• 📝 Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German and the publication of his 95 Theses contributed to the Protestant Reformation and the democratization of religion.
• 📰 The development of newspapers as a mass medium in the 17th century marked a significant shift in media literacy, with initial government control giving way to a struggle for a free press.
• 💰 The Penny Press in the early 1800s made newspapers affordable and accessible to the masses, leading to concerns about sensationalism and profit over truth in journalism.
• 🎨 Yellow Journalism emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by sensational headlines, exaggerated stories, and prioritization of sales over journalistic integrity.
• 🌐 The history of media literacy is intertwined with the evolution of media technology, with each new medium requiring new skills to navigate and critique content effectively.
• 🔍 Media literacy today involves the ability to quickly analyze information, discern truth from sensationalism, and understand the impact of media on society.

Q & A

What is the significance of media literacy in today's world?

Media literacy is crucial as it equips individuals to critically analyze and understand the media they consume, especially in an era where technology like smartphones and the internet are prevalent.

When did the concept of media literacy begin to be recognized as a field?

The term 'media literacy' and its recognition as a field emerged around the 1960s, although the concerns it addresses have been present since the inception of media itself.

Which ancient Greek philosopher is known to have thought about the implications of media, particularly writing?

Plato, the classical Greek philosopher, considered the impact of writing in his dialogue 'Phaedrus,' expressing concerns about its effect on memory and the potential for misinterpretation.

What was Socrates' main concern about writing as discussed in Plato's 'Phaedrus'?

Socrates was concerned that writing would lead to forgetfulness, as people would rely on external marks rather than exercising their memory, and it could be used out of context without the author present to defend their thoughts.

How did the invention of the movable type printing press by Johannes Gutenberg change the landscape of media and literacy?

The invention of the movable type printing press in 1452 made print media easier to produce, leading to a rapid spread of books and pamphlets, and making literacy more accessible to a broader population.

Why was the rise of literacy and the printing press a problem for those in power and organized religion?

For those in power and organized religion, the rise of literacy threatened their control over information. It became more difficult to control or persuade subjects and interpret religious texts when a larger portion of the population could read.

What event is credited with sparking the Protestant Reformation and how did media play a role?

The Protestant Reformation was sparked by Martin Luther's publication of his 95 Theses in 1517. He challenged the church's monopoly on scriptural interpretation and translated the Bible into German, democratizing access to religious texts.

What is the 'Penny Press' and why was it significant in media history?

The 'Penny Press' refers to newspapers that were sold for a penny in the early 1800s. They were significant because they made news accessible and affordable to the middle and lower classes, contributing to the democratization of information.

What is 'Yellow Journalism' and how did it impact the media landscape at the turn of the 20th century?

Yellow Journalism is characterized by sensationalist headlines, exaggerated stories, and the use of illustrations to attract readers. It prioritized profit and sensationalism over journalistic integrity, impacting the media landscape by blurring the lines between news and entertainment.

How did the competition between Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst contribute to the rise of Yellow Journalism?

Pulitzer and Hearst competed for readership to attract larger advertisers, leading both to adopt Yellow Journalism practices. They sensationalized stories and used dramatic visuals to increase sales, contributing to a race to the bottom in terms of journalistic ethics.

What can the history of media literacy teach us about the relationship between media and society?

The history of media literacy shows that as media evolves, so do the skills needed to navigate it. It highlights the ongoing need for critical thinking and the ability to discern truth from sensationalism, as well as the importance of access to information in a democratic society.