#24 Media Literacy in the Age of AI with Julie Smith

Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer delves into the dynamic world of media literacy with Julie Smith, a renowned instructor at the School of Communications at Webster University. Their conversation covers a broad spectrum, highlighting the profound impact of media literacy on both children and adults.

Key Points Covered:

• "What is media literacy and why is it important?": Julie Smith illuminates the concept of media literacy, emphasizing its vital role in fostering critical thinking skills.
• The Role of Educators and Parents: We explore the pivotal responsibility that teachers and parents hold in teaching media literacy, offering advice on integrating media literacy into various curricula and subjects.
• Navigating Digital Emotions: We delve into the nuances of short form vs. long form education and how platforms like Facebook can elicit strong emotional responses. Julie discusses the importance of curating media consumption and maintaining a mindful approach to our digital interactions.
• Lateral Fact Checking: In an era where misinformation is rampant, Julie stresses the significance of lateral fact checking as a key tool in media literacy. She provides actionable steps for verifying information to help listeners navigate the complexities of the digital information landscape.
• AI's Impact on Media Literacy: A fascinating segment that examines the influence of AI on media literacy. Julie shares her insights on how AI shapes our media consumption and the necessity of staying informed and vigilant in this rapidly evolving field.
• Promoting Well-Being Through Media Literacy: The conversation concludes with a thoughtful discussion of the impact of media literacy on the mental and emotional well-being of both students and teachers.

Don't miss this episode of Make It Mindful as we uncover the intricacies of media literacy and its vital role in our digital age. Join us in learning how to empower ourselves and the younger generation with tools to critically assess and engage with the media landscape.
Guest links:
1. Julie's list of AI tools https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M6w3zlv5suAV16XEXgR86AbWCshU6QbKEE8UH9n7BXc/edit#gid=0
2. Julie's Misinformation Resources https://drive.google.com/file/d/12o0db1MRK5OcJveMkvEkzOc7qMFF5iM0/view
3. Andrew Easton's Good Life Edu Podcast featuring Julie Smith https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-literacy-in-the-era-of-generative-a-i/id1512974122?i=1000635584006
4. Julie Smith's email address: [e-mail]
Guiding questions for media literacy:
1. Whose message is it?
2. Why is the message being put out there?
3. How does it go about getting the viewer’s attention?
4. Who benefits/profits?