Student @ North Salem Middle School High School, Member @ NAMLE’S Youth Advisory Council
What do you do?
I am a part of NAMLE’s Youth Advisory Council, which calls for youth voices to help advance media literacy education. I work with a team of other high schoolers and college students, working on projects and offering influential input. Youth perspective is a vital part in creating a media-literate world, especially among others their age. I am happy to be a part of the Youth Advisory Council to help achieve this goal.
Tell us about your latest work or project in media literacy.
I have been working with the YAC on our latest project called the AI Awareness Project. This project consists of four different interviews, two of which meaning our “man on the street” interviews then our AI expert interviews. This video series was created to explore how young individuals understand and interact its AI. Through the comparison of both the “man on the street” and AI expert interviews, the campaign connects what we perceive with what is real, advocating from stronger AI and media literacy.
Why is media literacy important to you?
Media literacy has become increasingly important to me over the past through years navigating through high school. As a teenager I have gotten to see first hand how much AI and the media has impacted people my age and younger. Even I myself find it difficult to remember what school and life was like before I had my phone and AI generators. I have seen students both utilize the power of AI and abuse it at the same time. I find media literacy such a valuable skill for all ages but especially the upcoming generations that have the opportunity to use media and AI to support growth and not hinder it.
What are you most excited about in the media literacy field?
In the media literacy field I am most excited for people to begin a shift in how they perceive the internet. Instead of acting as a warning about the dangers of the online world or causing individuals to distrust the media, media literacy is instead something that emphasizes practical skills that assist people navigate the media landscape with confidence, not fear. AI and the media has been framed as “the bad guy” for quite some time. I still hear it today in my school and everyday life of the threat that the internet poses to us all. However, media literacy can offer individuals a new perspective on the media, fostering participation and confidence. This in turn will help people feel capable, rather than fear, when engaging with the online landscape.
Why did you become a NAMLE member, what benefits do you see to membership, and how will it support your work?
I became a NAMLE member because I care deeply about helping people think critically, understand media, and feel confident in a digital world. I wanted to become a powerful voice in my community and beyond to help individuals grow their media literacy skills. Being a part of NAMLE has allowed me connect with others who share the same goal and offers helpful tools, ideas, and inspiration to help me create a larger impact. The national outreach to educators, journalists, media professionals, and my other YAC members opens a huge door for collaboration and idea-sharing. With just one year of being a part of the NAMLE organization I have enhanced my media literacy skills and learned ways that I can be influential for my community.
The views and opinions expressed in the M-Passioned Member blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NAMLE or its members. The purpose of the M-Passioned Member blog is to highlight our members and give them a place to share their reflections, opinions, and ideas.