THE MEDIA AND ME

This introduction to media literacy aims to teach readers to be engaged media critics and creators instead of just passive consumers.

Eight well-researched and clearly argued chapters explore key themes: meaning, which is dependent on context and personal experience; access (who is able to use information); representation (who or what is represented—and how); and validity (how genuine a claim is). The book is serious in tone and grounded in academic theory that is bolstered by robust citations. While the concepts presented are complex, the text strives to make them accessible through examples that may resonate with teens, such as references to arguments with parents about screen time and an analysis of news outlets’ responses to tweets from singer Nicki Minaj speculating on the safety of Covid vaccines. Interspersed throughout the book are suggested activities designed to engage readers in self-reflection. Occasional black-and-white spot art breaks up the text but does little to extend or enhance the meaning. The last chapter offers 10 strategies for using media responsibly and effectively and applying the lessons learned, along with links to relevant online resources. More dense and less visually appealing than similar recent releases, this work may prove most valuable for classroom use.

The moment "post-truth" entered the dictionary, the need for a book like this became clear.