Media Literacy Week spotlights digital tools in the age of AI

The annual U.S. Media Literacy Week just wrapped up last week! It celebrated the five key components of media literacy’s definition: Access, Analyze, Evaluate, Create and Act.

From Oct. 27 to Oct. 31, each component was featured on each of the days Media Literacy Week took place. The effort highlighted digital literacy education in the U.S., especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI.

Generative AI, in more than a few instances, has muddied the public perception of reality and real news events — most recently and notably: fake songs and disturbing spin-offs from Netflix’s smash animated hit Kpop Demon Hunters.

In online spaces, it’s more important than ever to equip yourself with media literacy tools and skillset. Here’s how you can implement media literacy practices in your daily news consumption and creation:

• Access: Limited to no access can impact one’s ability to participate in civic engagement, learn technology/skills and act responsibly and effectively.
• Analyze: Analyzing media content helps identify who created a piece of information/media, why and in what context, and what techniques were used to influence reactions.
• Evaluate: Evaluating media content can reveal its messages' credibility, deeper meanings and effects (text vs. subtext), and how one’s beliefs or biases influence interpretation.
• Create: When creating media content, it’s important to understand one’s agenda, intent and bias to subvert mainstream narratives and express one’s ideas.
• Act: Action is the culmination of the above: Engage civically after thoughtful access, analysis and evaluation of media messages we receive. Action can include empowering others by advocating for media literacy education, fighting misinformation online and promoting positive changes.

📍 More media literacy resources

Democracy Works: How AI is shaping the news

Guests from the Poynter Institute, News Literacy Project and the National Association of Media Literacy Educators joined this conversation to discuss AI in the news literacy landscape. They touched on separating factual information from AI slop, and making good decisions about comsuming the news. Give it a listen!

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This is Jessie Nguyen, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. Here are some of my favorite podcasts this week, check them out!

Future Hindsight: AI for the Public Interest: Bruce Schneier

Speaking of AI... Future Hindsight's latest episode dissects the current state of AI and how it's transforming the future of our politics. In the context of today's democracy, AI can still serve the public interest and advance democratic goals. Give this a listen!

Freedom Over Fascism: Authenticity Matters with Aviv Russ

If you're a Gen Z who spends way too much time on TikTok (like me), you've probably noticed how NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has been killing it on the platform! Mamdani might have a stellar social media team, but he also has what many candidates lack: Authenticity. Listen to this convo to see why authenticity is redefining politics!

The Democracy Group Special Episode: Understanding the Fragility of Democracy

A thought-provoking discussion from a thoughtful panel — comprised of many hosts in our network — that explores the characteristics and threats of a healthy democracy. Listen to the end to hear our fall 2025 fellows' thoughts, inputs and reflections on the issues!

FEATURED EXPERTS

Politics in Question: Matt Glassman on Why Are We in a Shutdown?

Matt Glassman is a senior fellow at The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University and author of the Substack Matt's Five Points. Glassman has taught courses on American government and congressional process and leadership. His political analysis has appeared in outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico.

The Great Battlefield: Scott Dikkers on Comedy and Satire

Scott Dikkers is a comedy writer and author. He previously co-owned the satire outlet The Onion and was the publication's longest-serving editor-in-chief. Dikkers has authored over 30 books, including "Our Dumb Century."