Media Literacy

Media literacy is defined as, "The audience members' understanding of the media industry's operation, the messages delivered by the media, the roles media play in society, and how audience members respond to these media and their messages."

I believe that media literacy involves two things: a broad knowledge of various forms of mass media, and not only that, but an understanding of how the media works. As a group, we thought it would be interesting to see how media literate BYU-Idaho students are.

We asked some students how much time they spent in media, what forms of mass media they used, etc. Being media literate is important because as Elder Ballard and other church leaders have taught, being media literate allows us to use our talents to more effectively spread and teach the gospel. Elder Ballard said, “We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches.” He continues, "From its beginnings, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has used the power of the printed word to spread the message of the restored gospel throughout the world. The Lord, over the centuries, has had a hand in inspiring people to invent tools that facilitate the spreading of the gospel. The Church has adopted and embraced those tools, including print, broadcast media, and the Internet."

As BYU-Idaho students, and church members in general, become more media literate, we will be able to use these tools to more effectively spread the gospel and gather the elect. This is the whole purpose why we have these tools of mass media in our world. It is no coincidence that these advancements in technology started accelerating from 1820 (First Vision) onwards. We are meant to use these gifts to bless God's children by bringing them to Christ.

Let's fight against media illiteracy!