What does the term "media literacy" primarily refer to?

The term "media literacy" primarily refers to the ability to critique media content. This encompasses analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting various forms of media, including news, advertising, and entertainment, to understand their messages, biases, and the techniques used to convey information. Being media literate means that individuals can navigate the complex media landscape, discern reliable information from misinformation, and recognize the influence that media can have on public perception and behavior. This skill set is crucial in today's world, where media plays a significant role in shaping societal views and discussions.

While producing media, understanding media ownership, and knowledge of the media industry are important aspects of media engagement, they are not the primary focus of media literacy. Media literacy is fundamentally about critical consumption rather than production, ownership, or industry specifics, making the ability to critique media content the most relevant aspect of the definition.