An Analysis of the Dilemma of Developing Media Literacy Education in China

Abstract

Though media literacy education appeared as an independent discipline in some developed countries in the 20th century, it has only just begun in China in the 21st century. Nowadays, with the advancement of the Internet and science and technology, media literacy education has emerged as a prominent issue of global concern. As such, the rapid economic and scientific development of China, the largest developing country, has led to increasing demands for media literacy. Therefore, the paper presents an analysis of pertinent studies on efficacious media literacy education programs in developed countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, and compares the current situation of media literacy education in China in terms of educational policies, schools, and social practices. In addition, it also points out the dilemmas facing the development of media literacy education in China, including the rapid updating of technology and platforms, the lack of selection and evaluation of media content, social inequality, and the digital divide. China should actively learn from the international advanced cases of media literacy education, so as to make China’s media education better adapt to the information age of the 21st century, strive to solve the current media problems as soon as possible, and explore a localized road of media literacy education.