Decoding the Feed: Social Media and Critical Thinking

Sage College Publishing Podcast

Tim Molina, a Sage Faculty Partner and Communications Professor at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas, sat down with Sage authors Susan Beauchamp and Stanley Baran to discuss the crucial role of media literacy and critical thinking in today's digital age. Susan and Stanley are the authors of Introduction to Human Communication: Perception, Meaning, and Identity, now in its 3rd edition.

Social media platforms often exploit algorithms and addictive features to reinforce biases and hinder critical thinking. To combat this, Susan and Stanley advocate for promoting cultural and educational initiatives that foster media literacy, self-awareness, curiosity, and empathy. By teaching students media literacy, journalism skills, and encouraging the seeking of diverse perspectives, they can become more discerning consumers of information and take personal responsibility for their digital experiences.