From Scrolls to Screens: How Media Shape Our Understanding

                  THE HISTORY OF NEW MEDIA

 Long before digital screens and global connectivity, communication began with oral storytelling. In prehistoric times, people conveyed their traditions, warnings, and experiences through spoken word and cave paintings. These early methods were the first steps toward structured media.

Around 3000 BCE, civilizations such as the Sumerians and Egyptians revolutionized information sharing by developing writing systems like cuneiform and hieroglyphics. This leap allowed information to be recorded, preserved, and shared across time and space.

In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, a pivotal moment in media history. It enabled the mass production of books and pamphlets, making written knowledge more accessible and promoting literacy across Europe. It laid the groundwork for the first true information revolution.

The 17th to 19th centuries saw the emergence of newspapers, offering timely updates on politics, trade, and society. These daily and weekly publications shaped public opinion and connected communities to the broader world.

In the late 19th century, motion pictures entered the scene. Then, in the early 20th century, the invention of radio and television brought sound and moving images into homes. People could now access real-time news and entertainment, changing how stories were told and received.

The 1990s marked the beginning of the internet age. Information became instantly accessible, interactive, and global. Websites, emails, and forums redefined how people communicated and consumed content.

Today, we live in the era of smartphones and social media. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok allow anyone to create and share content. While access to information is easier than ever, the risk of misinformation also grows. This is why media and information literacy is essential.

Media at Work: The Literacy Behind the Local          Police Station and  Coast Guard

For this project, my classmates and I created a short documentary by visiting our local City Police Station and Coast Guard, two key government agencies that play important roles in both delivering and receiving information. The police station is a vital source of public information, offering updates on safety, crime prevention, and community guidelines. The Coast Guard, on the other hand, provides essential information related to maritime safety, disaster response, and coastal protection. In our documentary, we explored how media and information literacy (MIL) is practiced daily in these agencies. We observed how staff members communicate critical information to the public, manage both digital and printed resources, and use media tools to educate and inform. We also conducted interviews with officers and personnel to better understand their roles in promoting MIL within their respective communities.

So here's our vlog; 

Through this group project, we realized that media and information literacy (MIL) is more than just knowing how to read or access content, it's about learning how to question, analyze, and evaluate information in a world full of noise. As a team, we saw firsthand how MIL is practiced in real-life settings, like libraries and government agencies, where professionals help people from all walks of life find trustworthy information and use it responsibly. This experience reminded us that MIL is not just a school subject—it’s a practical skill we all need to navigate everyday life. It helps us become more critical, aware, and responsible members of society.

Media has evolved from traditional forms like cave art and printed books to digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and online news—but its core purpose remains the same: to connect people, share ideas, and inspire change. As a group, we’ve learned that having strong media and information literacy is essential in today’s world. It equips us to handle information wisely, avoid misinformation, and become active, informed citizens. By working together on this project, we not only deepened our understanding of MIL—we also discovered how powerful it can be in shaping a more thoughtful and engaged society.