AUM communication students launch Media Literacy Week campaign
Auburn University at Montgomery communication students will host film screenings of the political thriller “Dark Money” and a series of outdoor campus activities to raise awareness about U.S. Media Literacy Week.
The campus events are part of the student media literacy campaign “Think Before You Click: Unlocking the Power of Media Literacy,” created by the PRCA-AUM student chapter and students from the Department of Communication & Theatre class “Media Writing Dynamics.”
Anna Grace Tompkins, a communication student and campaign organizer, emphasized the importance of media literacy in the era of social media and the upcoming election season.
“With the prevalence of social media in today’s times, it is crucial to be knowledgeable on the topic of media literacy,” she said “Most students rely on Instagram and TikTok for a big portion of their news. This is why media literacy is so important and I’m glad that our department is recognizing it.”
Screenings for the film “Dark Money” will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 23, in Goodwyn Hall 109 and at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in Goodwyn Hall 110. The political thriller focuses on the influence of untraceable corporate money on political officials.
The student campaign organizers encourage participants to wear pajama pants to film showings, which will include food and snacks such as Chick-fil-A, donuts and coffee.
In additon to the film showings, media literacy-themed games, information tables and other fun outdoor activities will be on the Quad from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.
Media Literacy Week serves as an opportunity to stay informed about accurate election news, particularly in recognizing AI-generated content and avoiding misinformation, Tompkins said.
“Both the Democratic and Republican parties have had similar problems with the AI usage on various media platforms, showing that this issue spans far beyond political parties and elections,” she said. “As a result, AUM students should become more educated on how to identify these common misinformation tactics scammers use.”
Campus activities during Media Literacy Week also aim to equip students with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape.
“It’s more than a chance to watch a movie. It’s crucial to gain more knowledge about the role of media literacy in education,” Tompkins said. “I encourage students, faculty and staff to be sure to participate in the activities we will have throughout the week.”
According to the National Association of Media Literacy Education, the mission of Media Literacy Week is “to highlight the power of media literacy education and its essential role in education all across the country.”
Sponsors of AUM’s Media Literacy Week events include AUMLive Communication Club, The AUMnibus, and Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA).
Watch the Public Service Announcement created by AUM students.
For more information on Media Literacy Week events, email [email protected] or [email protected].
