Digital Media Literacy

Abstract

Since the new generation called “digital natives” uses digital media extensively more than the traditional media, the necessity of the evolution of the traditional media literacy to digital media literacy has emerged. The traditional media literacy courses, which are based on the examination of television and newspaper contents, cannot be effective in the media education of youngsters who are surrounded by digital media. Recent research reveals that TV watching hours have decreased among youngsters but online video watching and computer game playing times have increased rapidly. In this study, in-depth interviews were conducted with the parents of 12 elementary school students, and the study aimed to reveal the necessity of digital media literacy. In-depth interviews were conducted with the parents, and media usage times of the students, their state of being influenced by media, and their purposes of using digital media in their daily lives were all examined, and as a result, the necessity of the evolution of traditional media literacy to digital media literacy will be discussed.