Media and Information Literacy and the Right to Access to Information
摘要
Media and Information Literacy is about accessing news, analyzing information to determine if it is true or false, reflecting on one’s own media behavior and creating media content. However, it is also about acting. This is a major threat for the liberal democracies, which are based on information that people have, and upon which they make their political choices – according to their own perceptions and information that they receive. While this presents immense opportunities for informed participation in democratic processes, it also poses challenges in navigating a complex media environment rife with misinformation, disinformation, and manipulative content. This paper argues that Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is crucial for empowering citizens to exercise their right to access information effectively and responsibly, thereby enhancing civic engagement in the digital age. By fostering critical thinking, promoting informed decision-making, and facilitating active participation in public discourse, MIL serves as a cornerstone for a thriving democracy in the 21st century.