MEDIA, Lara Anjela De Castro, also known as Maize, is a Grade 12 Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) student from Notre Christi Academy of the Philippines Inc. She loves reading and watching which helps her to sharpen her visualization and skills. She once became a story writer but shifted her career path. From hundreds of symbols drawn in a cave to millions of information spreading across the globe. Every minute passed, and a lot of datasets and articles were published and written online. With just one click, we can easily access and read it to be aware of different events happening worldwide. It is now easy to connect with people we love despite the distinction of time and location we have. But can you imagine life back then when individuals only used their voices and their bodies to deliver information to others? Where the traditional single letters, words, phrases, and paragraphs are created and spread manually. The world is evolving rapidly, but Do you know behind its history? In the dawn of civilization, communication relied on primitive forms of media, such as cave paintings, petroglyphs, and oral tradition. To transfer messages, memories, and cultural narratives between generations, these antiquated media types acted as primitive messengers. The emergence of writing systems, including ideograms, hieroglyphics, and cuneiform, signaled a turning point in the development of media by making it possible to preserve and share knowledge outside of oral tradition. The mass manufacturing of books, newspapers, and pamphlets began when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the fifteenth century, revolutionizing media distribution. This historical turning point democratized knowledge access, which fueled the Reformation, Enlightenment, and Renaissance movements. Printed media developed as a potent force for social change, influencing public perception and undermining established norms. Radio and television emerged as dominant mediums in the 20th century, broadcasting news, entertainment, and advertising to millions of households. The introduction of computers, the internet, and other digital technologies signaled the beginning of the electronic age in the second part of the 20th century. The development of the internet democratized information and allowed for instantaneous worldwide connectivity, which transformed communication. People were able to communicate and exchange ideas on a never-before-seen scale because to email, websites, and online forums. Users of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become influencers and content creators, completely redefining interpersonal communication. The emergence of new media signifies a paradigm change in the creation, use, and dissemination of information. Interactive technologies, user-generated content, and data analytics are utilized by new media platforms to produce individualized and captivating experiences. By blending the boundaries between the real and digital worlds, virtual and augmented reality bring new possibilities for narrative and entertainment. Recommendation systems are driven by artificial intelligence algorithms that provide personalized content according to user preferences and actions. The progression of media from antiquated scrolls to novel digital domains is evidence of human inventiveness and flexibility. Revolutionary developments have impacted communication, connectivity, and information consumption in every period. While new media has democratized information access and given people the ability to join in the global debate, old media set the groundwork for modern communication. Because of the continuous evolution of media and information, it wields immense influence permeating every aspect of society. As a student, it helped me to gather the information I needed and keep updated on the trends and news around the world. It helps us from shaping public opinion to driving economic trends and transforming educational paradigms, exerting profound impacts on individuals and communities. Media and information are crucial for modern economies, driving consumption, investment, and innovation. Advertising revenue influences market sentiment and corporate reputation. The rise of e-commerce disrupts traditional business models, but concerns about privacy and data security arise. From traditional visual aids and learning materials, media and technology have significantly impacted education, enhancing access and sharing of knowledge. Power point presentations, audio visuals, etc. help the students enjoy their learning. However, it concerns about the digital divide, information overload, and online safety persist. Media significantly influences political discourse and public opinion. Traditional media outlets, like newspapers and TV, hold governments accountable. Social media has disrupted power dynamics, allowing politicians to communicate directly with voters. Fake news and misinformation undermine trust, highlighting the need for media literacy. Media, through platforms like television, film, and social media, shapes public perceptions and attitudes, promoting diversity and social justice. However, it can also perpetuate stereotypes, misinformation, and sensationalism, leading to polarization and social unrest. The media can enlighten, educate, and empower people, but it can also present problems including false information, divisiveness, and privacy issues. Fostering media literacy is crucial as we negotiate the complexities of the digital age to fully embrace the transformative power of information and communication for the good of society. Our ability to receive news from around the globe and engage with a variety of viewpoints has been made possible by the digital revolution, which has completely changed how we consume and distribute information. But it can be challenging to tell fact from fiction because of issues like blindness, deception, and echo chambers brought on by this information flow. To survive this tidal, critical thinking and media literacy are now essential abilities. Corporate interests, political ties, and cultural biases are examples of media biases that can affect how information is presented and understood. Acknowledging these prejudices is crucial to developing a more complex perspective of reality. Social media platforms have transformed communication; nevertheless, they have also become engines for disinformation and destroying reputation In an era where information is abundant, media literacy is essential because it enables us to be knowledgeable and involved citizens. To encourage media literacy and a culture of responsible information consumption, educators, legislators, and tech corporations all have a part to play. Innovations in technology such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence have the potential to completely transform the way we engage and use information. We can successfully manage the challenges of the digital age and open the door to a better-informed and enlightened future by staying watchful, valuing critical thinking, and promoting media literacy. With my one-year journey as a grade 12 student, various lessons will embark again on my mind and will be forever cherished as I walk into another stepping stone of my life. One of those subjects is Media and Information Literacy. You are probably thinking why I mention this subject like a gem that helps me a lot. Well, Media and Information literacy is not just a lesson that you need to review. As the title itself, it will give you awareness about how a single piece of information can impact everyone's life immediately and spread across the globe and how individuals effectively process it. As technology continues to evolve, different forms of media also excel and become a helpful medium in our lives. Studying this lesson taught me different kinds of communication, how media began during the pre-industrial period, and in what aspects media can help us. The course also involved lectures, readings, discussions, and practical exercises aimed at developing critical thinking skills and digital competencies in navigating the media. An example of our practical experiences is doing radio broadcasting in class. With the help of media, we easily gathered the news and information we need, as well as the background music and effects that can help our production better. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and the fast-paced nature of the digital world. I can't believe that our ancestors were creative and good at inventing means of communication. From manual delivery of information, different tools were made until the introduction of technology. I am confused about how those tools and methods are used and operated successfully even though they didn't have enough knowledge at that time. I am confused about how information can be reliable enough. However, as I delved deeper into the course material and engaged in discussions with peers, I became more confident in my ability to critically evaluate media and information sources. I learned how to connect with others and evaluate if all of the information they tell are purely fact or not. I learned how I can examine it and tell if it is a reliable sources or just a gossip that can destroy ones' reputation. Behind every content of Media and Information Literacy, I found out that it is highly relevant and informative, providing us valuable insights into the complexities of media and information literacy in the digital age. It is not just a pure theoretical explanation but also contains possible scenarios that you can use and try practical applications. Those exercises, such as casual talking with the people surrounding me, group reporting, and fact-checking assignments helped solidify my understanding and application of MIL concepts. Throughout this semester, I've learned that even we can experience all the lesson that our teacher discuss. We learn to be more conscious in gathering facts and information and thoroughly evaluate it before we share it with everyone to avoid ethical issues like misquotations and mislabeling. We are now paying attention to every word we always say and respect everyone's opinion. After all the things I've learned, I developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of media literacy in today's society. I realized that media literacy is not just about consuming information but also about actively engaging with media content, questioning assumptions, and challenging biases. I also recognized the need for ongoing learning and adaptation in an ever-evolving media landscape. To avoid damaging or breaking someone's dignity and reputation, we should be literate enough to evaluate the information we often see online. Never judge someone without evidence. Like in the accountant world wherein transactions will be invalid without a receipt, information without evidence and facts are purely fake news or what we call "dirty data" Never let your guard down as you scroll your gadgets with different social media platforms. It has been an eye-opening and inspiring experience for me to pursue media and information literacy. I've learned useful information and abilities that will help me move confidently and wisely through the digital world. I am more conscious of the dangers that can arise from spreading false information and the necessity of carefully assessing sources before drawing conclusions or disseminating data. Never make snap decisions, especially when we are going to discuss a significant topic. As the popular quotes say "think before you click. " Therefore, it is important to encourage us, the netizens, to pause and reflect on the content they encounter online. With the proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and clickbait headlines, the digital landscape can be a minefield of misleading information. Making intelligent choices and avoiding being duped by false information can be achieved by taking a moment to evaluate the content's reliability, correctness, and bias. Individuals can harness the potential of technology for meaningful engagement in contemporary society and constructive change by developing critical thinking abilities, digital literacy, and ethical awareness. I intend to continue honing my media literacy skills through continuous learning, practice, and reflection. I will strive to stay informed about emerging trends and developments in media and information literacy and actively seek out opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and sources of information. Additionally, I will advocate and promote responsible digital citizenship among peers and colleagues. But before that, changes should be starting from myself. We should be aware of our surroundings and keep an eye on every action we will take. After all of the things I’ve learned this year, I will try my best to apply it as I start studying in college and create a new friendship and bonds online and offline.
