Visual literacy is a “set of abilities that enables an individual to effectively find, interpret, evaluate, use, and create images and visual media” (ACRL, 2011).
This can encompass quite a lot of elements, as shown in the diagram (below) by Hattwig et al, including finding, interpreting and analysing, evaluating and using images effectively, but also understanding how to define your need for an image and the type and format required. It also encompasses creating your own visual media and using images ethically and legally with regards copyright, intellectual property and censorship.
Visual literacy can include all kinds of visual media - images, videos, graphs, charts, maps, tables and other non-textual content.
Image: (Hattwig et al., 2013) This image first appeared in PORTAL: LIBRARIES AND THE ACADEMY, Volume 13, Issue 1, January 2013, p. 75.
Visual literacy is important for many reasons:
Communication: In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with visual information through media, advertisements, social media, and more. Being visually literate helps us interpret and understand these messages more effectively.
Critical Thinking: Visual literacy encourages critical thinking by enabling us to analyse and evaluate the meaning and purpose behind images. This skill is crucial for discerning between credible information and misinformation.
Cultural Awareness: Visual literacy helps us appreciate and understand different cultures and perspectives. Art, photography, and other visual media often reflect cultural values and histories, providing insights into diverse ways of life.
Creativity and Expression: Being visually literate allows individuals to express themselves creatively through various forms of visual media. It also enhances our ability to appreciate and critique artistic works and other forms of non-textual data presented in a visual format, such as tables, graphs, infographics and more.
Educational Benefits: Visual literacy supports learning by making complex information more accessible and engaging. Diagrams, charts, and other visual aids can simplify difficult concepts and improve retention of information.
Professional Skills: In many professions, visual literacy is a valuable skill. Designers, marketers, educators, and many others rely on the ability to create and interpret visual content effectively. This can include creating effective social media content for marketing of products and events, and communication of information and ideas.
Visual literacy is becoming increasingly crucial in the age of AI. Many people now have AI built into their smartphone cameras, allowing them to edit photos by removing unwanted objects, changing facial expressions to eliminate blinking or frowning, or even adding elements that weren't originally there. While some images are clearly manipulated, it is becoming more difficult to detect these changes as AI technology rapidly advances.
Critical thinking is essential when viewing and analysing images and video content online, especially with the rise of deepfake videos, often referred to as "fake news on steroids" (Bloomberg Originals, 2018, It’s Getting Harder to Spot a Deep Fake Video). While deepfakes can be used for creative and entertainment purposes, such as in movies or parody videos, they also pose significant risks. They can be used to spread misinformation, create fake news, or impersonate individuals for malicious purposes.
For more information on AI and how and whether to use it in your academic work, see our Artificial Intelligence (AI) page.
