This new era poses major challenges to the flow of news and information people depend on to manage their complex lives. In the context of this report, digital and media literacy is seen as a constellation of life skills that are necessary for full participation in our media-saturated, information-rich society. According to Renee Hobbs, author of the white paper, Digital and Media Literacy: A Plan of Action, these include the ability to do the following:
Make responsible choices and access information by locating and sharing materials and comprehending information and ideas
Analyze messages in a variety of forms by identifying the author, purpose and point of view, and evaluating the quality and credibility of the content
Create content in a variety of forms, making use of language, images, sound, and new digital tools and technologies
Reflect on one’s own conduct and communication behavior by applying social responsibility and ethical principles
Take social action by working individually and collaboratively to share knowledge and solve problems in the family, workplace and community, and by participating as a member of a community
Digital and media literacy competencies, which constitute core competencies of citizenship in the digital age, have enormous practical value. Hobbs identifies a 10-point action plan to enable all Americans to acquire digital and media literacy competencies.