CRITICAL THINKING AND MEDIA LITERACY

As a visual graphic media student in SENA institution, I am and will be immersed in a world where images and videos shape narratives with stunning impact. In this era of  increasing digital content, critical thinking and media literacy are crucital for creating appealing visuals. These skills may help us in questioning the intention of a certain design , spot biases and make informed choices, ensuring we are active participants in the media we consume and create.

Visual media, from instagram ads  to viral X posts, is a mixture of artistry and persuasion. Critical thinking makes us ask ourselves: Who´s behind the image or the post? or what´s their main goal with the post?. For instance, a certain ad published on instagram, might use neon colors to inform about certain topic and certain niche but critical eye spots certain claims or manipulative framing.

Media literacy gives us skills so we can verify sources and recognize design tactics and techniques, such as how to use bold fonts in amplifying or reducing the impact of the message such as fear or urgency.

During my graphic media studies, I have explored how color palettes and composition can influence perception, e.g: red for danger or passion, soft pastels for trust or romance and black for elegance or power, among other meanings depending on the context of each usage.

Another aspect to take into account is a current usage among different social media platforms such as X, instagram or Pinterest, regarding AI-generated images that look real but distort reality and facts. By applying critical thinking we can detect these anomalies, like inconsistent shadowing or the generation of multiple limbs.

Media literacy also involves understanding cultural context. For instance, a meme might seem harmeless, but its context could carry historical weight that shifts that meaning.

As graphic creators we are obliged to design ethically, avoiding visuals that can mislead. 

In short, critical thinking and media literacy empower us to navigate and create visual graphic media responsibly. By questiong designs and verifying sources, we can eliminate misinformation and create visuals that trully inform and not deceive. These set of skills are vital for both consumers and creators in today´s digital world.

Bibliography

• Media Smarts (n.d) Digital media literacy fundamentals. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/digital-media-literacy-fundamentals (accessed July 12, 2025)