Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict; why does this happen?
I believe that open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict for a number of reasons. Based on my experience, this occurs due to miscommunication caused by tone and sentence phrasing in a Facebook comment thread. The conflict arose from a post about a sensitive topic during COVID-19. It seemed that both parties had factual information that contradicted the other, but the way they presented the information led to miscommunication and conflict. This has also happened with other topics, such as health or scientific facts, in conversation threads. If people are passionate about their position on a topic, they might use inappropriate language, provoking the opposing party. People can become passionate, and aggressive behaviour can appear when their values are being threatened or challenged. I believe there are multiple reasons for conflict to arise in discussions of factual information, including pre-held biases towards a topic, whether learned from family members or for other reasons. If someone clings to a belief, they may block out information that doesn’t fit their desired narrative. This can cause conflict when a person is presented with information that contradicts their beliefs but chooses to ignore or not read it.
What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?
I believe there are many benefits to having a PLN that values media literacy, and I think this factor is often overlooked when considering one’s PLN. The most significant benefit of a PLN with this value is the development of high critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities. Using high critical thinking skills, media literacy involves examining and evaluating media messages. This enables individuals to start conversations that can inform and educate readers rather than simply reading passively. As a result, they can make more informed decisions about their choice of sources and the information they consume. This, in turn, can help address misinformation and fake news issues and lead to better overall decision-making. These two skills can create a PLN with advanced communication skills and digital literacy. If individuals constantly critically analyze the information they consume, they will cover a wide range of facts and information sources. They can learn how to effectively use these tools to make their time on these sites as productive and informative as possible. If the network is using high critical thinking skills to evaluate information from various websites and sources, they will also enhance their ability to communicate and share facts with their own PLN. By cultivating a PLN that values media literacy, individuals can improve their communication skills and engage better with others online. Overall, I believe that having a PLN that values media literacy can create a domino effect, leading to personal growth and a positive impact for all.
COMMENTS
#1
Hello Skye, thank you for your insightful perspective on this week’s media literacy post! I really appreciate how you responded to the questions and conveyed your ideas. I particularly liked when you included the reminder for people to remember that “it’s not a big deal what is commented on the internet.” I think this is an essential point that everyone should keep in mind, regardless of the context.Although hateful speech isn’t pleasant, I agree with you that it’s important not to take it personally if it’s directed at you. I’ve also experienced hate speech, but I remind myself that these individuals are hiding behind a screen and probably wouldn’t say it to my face. To me, these comments are a test of my self-esteem and ego, and I believe that we should let them go.I understand that you were referring to false information, but I think this advice applies to other situations as well. Thank you for sharing your ideas and sparking a new line of thought for me!
#2
Thank you for sharing your perspective Jack in your blog post. I agree that it’s important to be open-minded and not just stick to hearing what we want to hear. It’s especially important to see both sides of an argument, as this can help us better understand others’ perspectives and potentially challenge our own beliefs. For example, in a political discussion, someone who only listens to news sources that align with their beliefs may not be getting the full picture. By seeking out and listening to diverse perspectives, they can gain a more nuanced understanding of the issue at hand. I also agree with the importance of having a PLN that values media literacy. This can help us navigate the overwhelming amount of information available online and prevent the spread of false information. However, it’s also crucial for individuals to develop their own media literacy skills, as this can help them critically evaluate information and make informed decisions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!