Why Digital Literacy is Vital for Society’s Health
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Within mass communication, there is a theory which “suggests that media messages are injected directly into the brains of a passive audience” — this is known as the Hypodermic Needle Theory. This theory also suggests that an audience is vulnerable and will be easily persuaded to adopt a new way of thinking or attitude towards a subject (Rosenberry & Vicker, 2017).
In this short video, the hypodermic needle is viewed as media (in various forms) having the ability to change the mindset of its audience. Let’s use an example from the video and say you’re an avid Taco Bell fan but you see a commercial for Chipotle. In this advertisement, you gather that Chipotle is the best place to get a burrito and that’s where all the “cool kids” go. If you were applying the hypodermic needle theory, theorists would say that because of the commercial that was seen, a Taco Bell burrito lover will get dinner from Chipotle because their mindset about where to get the best burritos has changed.
Although this is a silly way to understand this theory, we must be aware of how this can impact ideas around more serious topics. For me personally, I constantly have to remind myself that what I see being presented to me on T.V., social media, or advertisements may not always be true and can be an attempt to challenge my current thoughts. As someone who has studied media and grown up in a digital world, I understand the concept of digital literacy. As defined by The American Library Association, digital literacy is “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”
Digital literacy is a critical skill needed to navigate through the vast messages that are being presented to us. Being able to think carefully about what you’re consuming, and not sharing false information with others can help eliminate the spread of misinformation.
This is something that can currently be seen in topics surrounding the Corona Virus pandemic or news within the political sphere. Misinformation is extremely harmful to society and must be stopped — but that begins with the need for everyone to be digitally literate.
It can be difficult to take all news or even information on social media with a grain of salt, but it is necessary. In order to escape the idea that media messages are being injected into us, take a stand to pause, reflect on what you read or watched, and come up with your own well-rounded and educated conclusion about the topic.
Unfortunately, the older generation, or Boomers as they call them, are more susceptible to engaging and sharing misinformation. In an article from Rolling Stone, we learn that adults over 65 are seven times more likely than young adults to engage with fake news.
But, it’s not just the Boomers who are having a difficult time being aware of misonformation. In the case of Gen Z, teens and young adults should be aware of misinformation spreading on social platforms like TikTok. Wired reports that has been a rise of conspiracy-type videos circulating on the app and with this content being easily sharable it doesn’t take long for these messages to become widespread.
With anyone being able to create their own blog, TikTok video, or infographic for Instagram, we must approach what we’re consuming with caution — but not lean into the idea of being fearful of what is being presented to you.
