What trends for the future indicate about media education – 03/21/2024 – Education

In the wake of the SXSW festival, held in Texas to discuss trends and innovation, it is timely to think about the new demands for education. “Educating young people for an uncertain future” has been the mantra for some time. With the acceleration of technological innovations and the environmental crisis, however, we no longer know whether the phrase refers to the novelty of the professions to come or the uncertainty of the very conditions in which we will live. What is certain is that technological transformations, especially in the environment of production and circulation of information, add a new layer of complexity to global problems. And, therefore, media education has an urgent role to play.

The information environment presents challenges ranging from access to reliable information to confronting the reproduction of structural injustices. The same innovations that can optimize work and enhance creativity can also increase inequalities; the same networks that can connect and give voice to minority groups can also tear communities apart in polarized environments and encourage violence.

What, then, would be a media education capable of strengthening young people in the face of the transformations underway and those already envisioned? We spoke with an AI chatbot and, based on trends from Tech Trends 2024, an important report from the Future Trends Institute, we outlined the following implications for education:

Multiplicity of platforms for news consumption: new generations increasingly seek out traditional media such as TV or websites, preferring social networks, messaging applications and video sharing platforms. This trend requires critical analysis skills in various environments and understanding their economic aspects.

Predominance of visual and interactive content: There is a strong preference for this type of content, instead of text. Media education must incorporate analysis and understanding of visual media, teaching how to critically evaluate images, videos and interactive content to determine credibility and identify motivations and biases.

Influence of personalization algorithms: the increasing personalization of content on news and social media platforms can distance us from diverse views or amplify misinformation or prejudice. It is critical to educate students about the impact of algorithms, as well as teaching them to access a wider range of perspectives in an intentional way.

Expanding digital literacy: skills such as effectively searching for information, evaluating the credibility of sources and understanding privacy in the digital environment are essential. But we also need to develop critical skills in relation to artificial intelligence, especially regarding the incorporated assumptions and their sociocultural impacts. The curriculum must address these skills in a transversal and continuous way.

Pollution of the information environment: With the proliferation of misinformation and deep fakes, as well as the automation of the creation of shallow content designed to engage, it is essential to develop critical thinking and verification skills. Students need to learn to use fact-checking tools, cross-reference information, and recognize signs of false or misleading content.

Content creation and engagement capabilities: younger generations are not only consumers but also content creators, with the potential to reach large audiences. Media education must include ethical considerations in content creation (including with AI), understanding the impact of our digital footprint, and discussions about rights and responsibilities on the internet.

Empathy and active listening in digital interactions: If digital platforms are the central spaces in which we interact, it is vital to teach empathy, listening and respectful communication. This includes peacefully handling disagreements, understanding other perspectives, and evaluating the impact of our online behavior.

All of this reinforces the dynamic nature of media education, which must accompany the changing scenario and recognize the important role of technology in the lives of young people and children. Curricula need to continually evolve – as the future may be uncertain, but in it we will certainly still be called upon to deal with the digital world in a conscious, responsible and constructive way.