What Is Digital Media Literacy, and Why Does It Matter?

We encounter media every day, from social media posts and online videos to news articles, advertisements and search engine results. But how do we know what to trust, spot misleading information, and understand how media shapes how we see the world?

Digital media literacy is the ability to access, use, understand, and engage with media of all kinds critically, effectively, and responsibly. It goes beyond knowing how to use a phone or computer. It means thinking critically about the content we see, recognizing misinformation and bias, understanding how our personal information is used, and interacting respectfully with others online.

Information spreads quickly in a world where anyone can publish content online. Digital media literacy gives us the tools to question what we see, recognize bias and persuasion, protect our privacy, and make informed decisions about the information we encounter.

These skills matter for people of all ages. Whether we're scrolling through social media, reading the news, helping children navigate the internet or deciding whether to share a post, media literacy helps us become more thoughtful and confident media users.

Local journalism also plays an important role in media literacy. Local news helps us understand the issues affecting our communities, hear different perspectives and stay informed about decisions that impact our everyday lives. Learning how to evaluate news sources and understand the role of journalism can help us make sense of the information we encounter, both online and offline.

Want to learn more about the role local journalism plays in keeping our communities informed?

Join us for Media Literacy Week: Why Local Journalism Matters, featuring Roderick Benns and Rebekah McCracken of The Lindsay Advocate.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Launch Kawartha  
165 Kent St. W., Suite 302, Lindsay

Take part in a moderated conversation exploring how local media helps us understand community issues, evaluate information and build media literacy skills across print, online and social media.

MediaSmarts, Canada's centre for digital media literacy, offers free resources, practical tips and educational materials to help Canadians of all ages build their media literacy skills.

Explore these resources to get started:

Digital media literacy isn't about distrusting everything we see or read. It's about asking questions, checking sources, thinking critically and making informed choices about the information we use and share.