The Level of Media Literacy - Essay Example

The article under study is a news article taken from the Daily Star February 12, 2007 issue which is entitled “The Jet Seat that Spots Terrorists.” Different points can be considered essential in the analysis of the article such as the motive of the writer, the credibility of the story, and the target audience from whom a reaction and empathy are expected.

One of the main points that can be considered evident in the story is the importance given to the effects of the issue related to terrorism. In the title, the word “terrorists” can be viewed and catch attention. Due to the use of the issue against terrorism, the article can be perceived to present propaganda on the capability of the technology being introduced and presented which is either related to the jet seat feature, the airline company, or the cooperation of the airline industry in the terrorism fight. The latter reason is related to the fact that airlines are commonly the main tool of terrorists in posing threat to the safety of the population.

Another feature of the story is the attractive description of the capabilities of the technology being applied. This can catch the interest and attention of the population since high-level technology with prototype features can almost be considered fiction and fantasy turned reality for the members of the public. If an ordinary citizen or even a person with a high level of interest in technology would read the news, the first reaction would probably be an expression of excitement due to the continuous development of technology and even a sense of satisfaction since safety can be improved if a need for air travel is undertaken. The features of the said technology are stressed including the sensitivity to movement and sound with less limitation in terms of sensitivity in capturing possible hints of terrorism and other crimes.

The exploration of the importance of the news article e.g. the application of the technology being introduced is related to the process of determining the positive and beneficial effect of the article and its publication on the different aspects, groups, and institutions in the society. Although this is the case, there are also perceived negative effects and concerns regarding the issues that are tackled in the article.

One of the issues that can be considered to have detrimental effects on the manner the public might accept the message of the article is the privacy concern. This can be attributed to the fact that the suggested technology to help lessen possible hijacking and terrorism is a form of surveillance that can forge the right of people to have privacy.
In line with the repercussion of the situation, the public can resent the report due to the part wherein the study of every movement such as the blinking of the eyes, the licking of lips, and agitated movement can be used against the person. This is negative for some groups in the population since passengers can be considered comparable to laboratory specimens to study the effectiveness of the technique applied.

About the said issue, the differentiation between the agitated behavior of normal passengers and passengers that might become threats is still under study. For that matter, it can be considered that application cannot be undertaken immediately along with the other features such as the establishment of automatic flight controls and door safety gadgets.

Based on the exploration of the possible issues that can be related to the concept and practice of media literacy, it can be considered even if the analysis is objective, subjectivity is inevitable since different parameters and components of the issue under study can be important and urgent to others while others are focusing on other issues. For that matter, continuous effort in analysis, understanding, and vigilance can be considered the main method to develop media literacy. Read More