Mediactive

Dan Gillmor’s Mediactive, published in 2010, provides a compelling roadmap for navigating the age of information overload. At its core, the book challenges us to rethink our role as media consumers and creators. Gillmor argues that in an era flooded with information, much of what we encounter can be misleading, deceitful, or even harmful. Yet, rather than feel overwhelmed, he insists that we can take control of our media consumption by becoming more active participants in shaping it.

Gillmor lays out several key principles for critical media consumption: be skeptical, exercise judgment, keep an open mind, ask questions, and understand the techniques of media creation. He emphasizes the importance of thoroughness, accuracy, fairness, independence, and transparency in both consuming and producing media. His philosophy is that in today’s participatory culture, no one is fully media literate unless they are creating content as well as consuming it.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Mediactive is its accessibility. The book is available for free online under a Creative Commons license, which not only allows readers to engage with the material but also to modify and expand upon it. This open approach reflects Gillmor’s belief in the power of citizen media and the importance of collective participation in shaping the future of journalism.

In addition to offering practical advice for consumers, Mediactive also delves into pressing legal issues in media, particularly how outdated laws can undermine public trust. Rather than proposing more legislation, Gillmor advocates for new societal norms that prioritize fairness and transparency.

An offering of understanding and influencing today’s media landscape, Mediactive offers a thought-provoking guide to becoming an empowered, informed participant in the information age.