Communication and Media Literacy Basics
Think about how many ways you communicate every single day - texting, posting stories, talking face-to-face, or even just using hand gestures. Communication is simply the transfer of information between people, and it always involves at least three things: someone sending a message, someone receiving it, and the actual message itself.
There are two main types of communication you use constantly. Verbal communication includes both speaking (like phone calls or conversations) and writing (like texts or essays). Non-verbal communication covers everything else - your facial expressions, body language, gestures, and even emojis count as non-verbal ways to get your point across.
Here's where it gets interesting for your generation: media information technology has completely changed how we communicate. It's transformed how messages are sent, processed, written, and how we interact with each other. Compare how your parents communicated as teens versus how you do it now - that's the power of technological change.
Media literacy means you can read, analyze, and create different types of media content. Information literacy helps you find reliable information and use it effectively. Technology literacy gives you the skills to navigate digital tools confidently. Master these three, and you'll be equipped to handle any information challenge that comes your way.
Quick Tip: Every time you fact-check something on social media or create a well-researched presentation, you're already practicing these literacy skills!