The Foundations of Forming Media Culture and Media Education Among Youth

Abstract

This article examines the foundations of media culture and media education, particularly for young people, in the context of the modern information age. The author traces the evolution of "media culture" as a concept, noting its emergence in the 20th century and its direct link to mass communication tools like printing, radio, television, and the internet. The text highlights how these tools, initially seen as neutral transmitters of information, have become central to the spread of "mass culture." Drawing on the work of scholars like Marshall McLuhan and Walter Benjamin, the author explores the transformative power of media, arguing that while it expands access to information, it also has the potential to erode traditional cultural values and critically-reasoned consciousness. The article concludes that given the pervasive nature of modern media, it is crucial to cultivate media literacy and a critical media culture among youth to help them distinguish between genuine cultural values and ideological threats. The author stresses the importance of using media consciously and critically to protect spiritual and moral foundations.