The importance of media literacy for members of the military

Abstract

The phrase "media literacy" is becoming ever more present in daily communication. The importance of media literacy is a significant guide for the orientation of members of the military in contemporary media arena dominated by a pronounced dichotomy in the field of effects of media content. New media have given numerous advantages to the life of a modern man. On the other hand, the hyperproduction of false news, fabricated information and interpretations, which often mix fragments of truth and falsehood, have created information disorder in the public sphere having a powerful potential to adversely affect decision-making process, combat morale, reputation and the system of values of soldiers and military leaders. Every day, mass communication media produce narratives which have become a powerful weapon for the production of meaning and reality construction. Media literacy should not be observed solely as a defensive paradigm and a shield against harmful effects of media content, but as a powerful mechanism to recognise and use all those benefits offered by modern digital technologies. The aim of this work is to point out the need to raise awareness of the importance of media literacy as an important competence of members of 21st century military.