Yuan Ze University College of General Studies Hosts Seminar on Media Literacy and Civic Responsibility

In the digital era marked by an overwhelming influx of information, cultivating the ability to think critically, discern facts from misinformation, and uphold civic responsibility has become a fundamental competence for global citizens. 

To strengthen students’ media literacy and awareness of civic engagement, the College of General Studies at Yuan Ze University recently hosted a distinguished lecture and hands-on workshop titled "Media Literacy and Civic Behavior," delivered by renowned educator Lecturer David Hsiao.

The lecture began with an overview of the evolution of social media and self-media platforms, highlighting the transformation of news from purely informative content to a mixture of knowledge dissemination, entertainment, and issue advocacy. However, as media content becomes increasingly commercialized, politicized, and entertainment-oriented, it has also grown more complex and confusing, raising important questions such as: Is journalism still objective? Where is the line between freedom of speech and legal boundaries in media?

Lecturer Hsiao pointed out that in today's media-saturated environment, students often find themselves lost amid the noise of mainstream media, niche platforms, and social networks, unknowingly influenced by ideologies and digital misinformation. The widespread availability of information-sharing tools has indeed democratized access but also raised concerns over intellectual property rights. Students were reminded of the importance of proper attribution when copying, sharing, or playing media content. Even trial materials may require paid licenses, and the risks of so-called "copyright trolls" in freely available resources were also discussed.

In the interactive segment of the workshop, students were divided into groups to analyze and discuss two recent high-profile societal events. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks introduced during the lecture, students engaged in rational and objective discussions before presenting their insights through group presentations. The activity allowed students to deepen their understanding of fundamental concepts such as the right to knowledge versus individual privacy, the boundaries between public and private spheres, cultural hegemony, and the influence of state apparatuses.

Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical engagement, the session provided students with a comprehensive understanding of how media operates and how news is constructed, thereby equipping them with the critical tools needed to navigate the complex media landscape as responsible global citizens.