On a daily basis you are most likely affected by some aspect of the media. Media take many forms, known as channels. These channels include television, radio, the Internet, magazines, news broadcasts, podcasts, blogs, billboards—and the list grows as your world expands. Media messages are often about how to look, what to eat, and where to go. Many messages are helpful, but some can be harmful. As your life becomes more complex and challenging, you will need to intensify your critical thinking skills in order to sift through the images and messages brought to you through media channels. By researching and finding out the facts, you can learn what is actually true; then you can ask insightful questions, challenge messages presented to you, develop clear and logical arguments, and express those arguments in both written and

oral forms. Knowing the facts can empower you to understand the influence of the media on its audience and to become a sensible and informed consumer.