“Readers are wise enough to judge for themselves”

Media Literacy for Adults

All media have an author—and an agenda. It's important to know how to analyze and critique any type
of media, from social media posts and online articles to books, TV shows, advertisements, works of art,
and beyond. Use this sheet to help you think critically about how media are made and consumed.

1. Who created this message?

All of the media we encounter and consume was constructed by someone with a particular vision,
background, and agenda. Who wrote what you’re reading? Does their bias come out?

2. Which techniques are used to attract my attention?

Whether it’s a billboard or a book, a TV show or movie, a mobile app or an online ad, different forms
of media have unique ways to get our attention and keep us engaged. How did you find what you are
reading? Why are you reading it?

3. How might different people interpret this message?

Consider how all of us bring our own individual backgrounds, values, and beliefs to how we interpret
media messages. For any piece of media, there are often as many interpretations as there are viewers.
What about your background might influence your interpretation? Who might be the target audience
for this message?

4. Which lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented --

or missing?
Just as we all bring our own backgrounds and values to how we interpret what we see, media messages
themselves are embedded with values and points of view. Question and consider how certain
perspectives or voices might be missing from a particular message. If voices or perspectives are
missing, how does that affect the message being sent? What points of view would you like to see
included, and why?

5. Why was this message made?

Explore the purpose of the message. Is it to inform, entertain, or persuade, or could it be some
combination of these? Explore possible motives behind why certain messages have been sent. Was it to
gain power, profit, or influence?

6. Who paid for this message?

Money motivates a lot of media—who paid to have this message made? What else have they paid for?
What other agendas might they have?