Recent research highlights a growing desire among college students for resources that can boost their media literacy skills, yet available offerings are surprisingly limited.
Digital Engagement and Its Consequences
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teenagers aged 12 to 17 averaged more than four hours of daily screen time between July 2021 and December 2023.
This substantial online engagement comes with notable repercussions; a Pew Research study found that nearly 40% of young people feel anxious when they are separated from their smartphones, and a similar number have opted to cut back on their social media usage.
Additionally, this relentless digital presence shapes how they perceive and understand information, affecting their ability to differentiate between news, advertisements, opinions, and entertainment.
Students’ Perceptions of Media Literacy
A December survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab revealed that while 70% of college students rate their own media literacy skills as at least somewhat proficient, they are less confident about their peers’ abilities.
In fact, only 32% believe that fellow students demonstrate high media literacy skills.
Concerns about misinformation are widespread, with 62% of students citing at least moderate concern regarding false information in their campus environment.
Among them, 26% expressed significant worry about the impact of misleading content.
This situation presents an opportunity for higher education institutions to step up.
The majority of respondents—35%—suggested that colleges should develop digital resources centered on media literacy.
Unfortunately, very few institutions currently provide these resources or direct students to effective self-learning options.
Emerging Initiatives in Media Literacy Education
Defining media literacy involves the ability to critically analyze the accuracy, reliability, and potential biases of content consumed across various platforms, including television, radio, the internet, and social media.
Most respondents indicated they employ at least one strategy to verify information, such as critically examining the message, evaluating the biases of the content source, corroborating information through other outlets, or taking the time to verify facts before sharing.
While many organizations provide digital curricula aimed at educators, particularly in K-12 settings, resources designed specifically for self-directed learning in higher education remain scarce.
The preference for creating digital resources was notably strong across different student demographics, with 38% of community college students and 42% of adult learners underscoring the necessity of such tools.
This feedback points to a robust demand for educational materials that accommodate those juggling work or caregiving responsibilities alongside their studies.
Several universities are already taking steps to fill this void.
For example, Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism offers a free, self-paced media literacy course featuring webinars led by industry experts and reflective exercises.
Baylor University has developed a brief 10-minute microcourse that seamlessly integrates into the Canvas learning platform, rewarding students with a badge upon completion.
Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has launched a comprehensive resource hub on a website devoted to Respectful Conversations.
This initiative covers various topics, including media literacy, free expression, and critical dialogue, offering users access to free online courses that dive deeper into issues like misinformation and deepfakes.
Additionally, the American Library Association has introduced a project aimed at enhancing media literacy among adult communities.
Known as Media Literacy Education in Libraries for Adult Audiences, this initiative equips libraries with the tools they need to foster media literacy.
It includes webinars and a resource guide crafted for library professionals, leveraging the power of natural language processing to improve learning outcomes.
The urgent call for better digital media literacy resources reflects a critical need among college students.
As institutions respond to this demand, the landscape of media education may very well transform, equipping students to navigate the complexities of our digital world with greater confidence.
Source: Insidehighered