What Does the Media Say to You?

Have you ever thought about all the messages we hear and see each day? How many of those messages are targeted toward adults? How many toward youth?

Research shows that an average student is connected to technology 6 hours each day. That would include cell phones, Internet, radio, TV, and more. When we think about the messages we see, we should think critically about what is entering our minds. The Center for Media Literacy published these 5 questions to keep in mind when processing media.

1. Who created this message?
2. What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?
3. How might different people understand this message differently?
4. What values, lifestyles and points of view are represented in, or omitted from, this message?
5. Why is this message being sent?

The next time you watch TV or cruise your cell phone for news updates, ask yourself these questions and see what you learn about the media messages you encounter each day.