5 Essential Tips for Becoming Media Literate in the Digital Age: Takeaways from National Association of Black Journalists Convention

A major conversation at the recent National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention in Chicago was the vital role of media literacy and building digital citizenship.  

Given our role as media experts, we’re constantly educating our clients on the changing landscape and what it means to live in a world where anyone can publish content online. While we advocate for leveraging both traditional and non-traditional media platforms to promote news announcements and generate brand awareness, it’s important that we all play our part in creating media responsibly and continue to develop strong media literacy skills. 

But what does it really mean to be media literate? At its core, media literacy is about understanding and critically engaging with the content we consume, whether it’s news, social media, advertisements or even entertainment. This skill also encourages seeking out diverse viewpoints to foster a more balanced understanding of multi-faceted topics. Ultimately, becoming media literate is the key to navigating today’s complex digital landscape thoughtfully and responsibly. 

Here are five essential tips to help you become a more informed, responsible media consumer. 

Tip 1: Know the Difference Between Misinformation and Disinformation 

It’s easy to come across information online that is misleading or downright false, but not all of it is created with the same intention. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared by someone who may not know that it’s untrue, whereas disinformation is deliberately crafted to deceive. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial because one can often be corrected with the right information, while the other requires deeper critical thinking and skepticism to identify malicious intent. 

How to Spot It: 

• Look for sensational or emotionally charged content that plays on fear or outrage. 

• Check if the source is credible, or if it’s spreading content to stir controversy or push an agenda. 

• Use fact-checking websites to verify claims before accepting them as truth.

Tip 2: Read Beyond the Clickbait Headlines to Get the Full Story 

We live in the age of clickbait, with headlines that are designed to grab your attention and entice you to click. Unfortunately, these headlines are often misleading, leaving out key details or sensationalizing stories. Media outlets often rely on these eye-catching titles to drive traffic, but the actual content may be much more nuanced or even completely different from the headline’s suggestion. 

How to Practice It: 

• Always read the full article before forming an opinion. 

• Ask yourself if the headline matches the substance of the article. 

• Be wary of headlines that exaggerate claims without evidence or use emotionally charged language to elicit a reaction. 

• Check multiple credible sources to ensure the whole story is being conveyed. 

Tip 3: Know the Difference Between a Journalist and a Talking Head 

With 24/7 news channels and online platforms, the line between journalism and opinion can get blurred. It’s important to recognize the difference between a journalist, who is trained to report facts and provide balanced coverage, and a talking head—someone who appears on television or online to give their opinion, often with some or no fact-based reporting. 

Journalists work according to ethical guidelines aimed at objectivity, whereas talking heads may push personal or ideological agendas, which can lead to biased or one-sided discussions. 

Key Differences: 

• Journalists report facts, conduct interviews, and investigate stories from multiple angles. 

• Talking heads often present their own opinions as facts and may lack journalistic credentials. 

• Consider the source: Is it a news report, or is it an opinion piece or panel discussion? 

Tip 4: Understand Internet Culture and How to Decipher Between Real and Fake Stories 

 Memes, satire and internet jokes are a few other facets that can blur the line between reality and fiction. Within our culture, humorous or satirical posts can be a way to connect with audiences, liven up dry content or give a brand a personality. However, what starts as a funny post can sometimes be misinterpreted and shared as fact if directed at the wrong audience or becomes too niche. Understanding the nuances of internet culture is essential to distinguishing between what is meant to be a joke and what is actually serious news. Some fake stories or hoaxes spread quickly because they tap into viral trends or mimic legitimate news outlets.  

What to Look For: 

• Is the story too outlandish to be true? It might be satire. 

• Check if the website is known for publishing fake or humorous content  

• Be cautious with viral stories that lack reputable sources or credible news outlet confirmation. 

Tip 5: Share Your Knowledge on How to Become a Responsible Media Consumer 

One of the most important aspects of media literacy is the responsibility to share what you’ve learned with others. When you develop a stronger understanding of how to consume media critically, you can help others navigate this complex landscape as well. Encouraging colleagues, friends and family to question sources, fact-check information and avoid sharing unverified content helps create a more informed and thoughtful media environment.  

How to Do It: 

• Share fact-checking resources with your network. 

• Engage in conversations about media literacy and misinformation. 

• Lead by example by always double-checking content before sharing and avoiding spreading rumors or clickbait stories.