Tracing the History of New Media in Media and Information Literacy

New media refers to digital forms of communication made possible by the internet, such as social media, blogs, podcasts, and online news. Its evolution has greatly influenced how people access, evaluate, and share information—key skills in Media and Information Literacy (MIL). As new media grew, so did the need to develop MIL to help users become critical and responsible digital citizens.

In the early beginning of New Media the concept of "new media" started with early computers and digital technologies. The internet was developed through projects like ARPANET, which laid the foundation for online communication. In 1990s the World Wide Web was created in 1991, making information widely accessible.

Email, chat rooms, and early websites became new tools for learning and connecting. In 2004 platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter emerged, shifting how people consume and share media. Digital content became interactive and user-generated. In 2010 smartphones and apps made media more accessible anytime, anywhere.

New media changed how we communicate—faster, global, and more visual. New media demands responsibility. MIL teaches people how to verify facts, spot fake news, and respect digital ethics. Students now access information beyond textbooks—via videos, articles, and online courses. MIL helps them evaluate these sources critically.

New media has made learning more engaging but also overwhelming due to information overload. Being media literate means knowing not just how to access information but also how to assess and apply it responsibly. With AI and virtual reality emerging, MIL will need to adapt further to keep up with the evolving media landscape.

The history of new media is a story of rapid change—from static web pages to interactive, real-time communication. As media evolved, so did the importance of MIL in helping individuals navigate the digital world with critical thinking and ethical awareness.

• UNESCO (2021). Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines.

📎 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377067

→ A global guide on integrating MIL into national education systems.

• Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2021). The new media landscape and its impact on media literacy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 13(2), 4–14.

📎 https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/jmle/vol13/iss2/3/

→ An academic article discussing how evolving media platforms shape media literacy practices.

• Pérez-Tornero, J. M., & Varis, T. (2022). Media literacy and new digital culture: A global overview. Media and Communication, 10(1), 1–12.

📎 https://www.cogitatiopress.com/mediaandcommunication/article/view/4565

→ Highlights how digital culture influences the global media literacy agenda.

• Hobbs, R. (2023). Exploring the intersections of digital and media literacy. Media Literacy Research Journal, 6(1), 25–39.

📎 https://mediaeducationlab.com/publications (Link goes to publication hub; article may be listed by title/year.)

→ Focuses on the convergence of digital skills and critical media understanding.

• Erstad, O., & Sefton-Green, J. (2024). Digital Literacy and Education: Past, Present, and Future. Routledge.

📎 https://www.routledge.com/Digital-Literacy-and-Education/Erstad-Sefton-Green/p/book/9781032373561

→ A comprehensive book analyzing the evolution of digital literacy in education across time.

• Media and Information Literacy Clearinghouse (2025). Trends in MIL Education and Policy.

📎 https://milunesco.org

→ A central hub of global MIL trends, teaching resources, and research.