In this media-saturated world, it is critical to approach media influences using critical thought and active participation. Media Literacy, Fourth Edition uses an engaging and conversational style to help students gain the skills needed to navigate the rocky terrain of mass messages" which are designed to inform them, to entertain them, and to sell them. This captivating book offers a plan of action for gaining a clearer perspective on the borders between the real world and the simulated media world, helping readers become responsible media consumers. New to the Fourth Edition. Expands coverage on media audiences, including industry perspectives on building audiences, children as a special audience, and ways audiences process mass media messages Updates approaches to the effects of mass media by presenting substantial information on videogames and the Internet Introduces each chapter with a controversial topic or faulty belief then uses a step-by-step approach to show students how they can use tools to deconstruct those beliefs. Also Available With This Edition. The updated Instructor's Manual includes more exercises, examples of media literacy that illustrate the main points of each chapter, and suggested discussion questions. The new Companion Web Site includes study material to help students prepare for class and engaging research exercises to help them practice media literacy. Visit: http://www.sagepub.com/potterml4study Intended Audience This reader friendly textbook is essential for introductory Media Studies courses in communication, sociology, film studies, and English.