Mediated truth: media literacy as a moral responsibility

Today, allow me to revisit one of my favorite topics which is media literacy or social media responsibility.

- Atty. Ian Vincent Manticajon [e-mail]

I realized that I had given a talk on it before a large crowd last May 25, 2025 during the 28th Divine Mercy National Convention held at UC-METC Mambaling. It felt timely to share that message again here. The talk I gave was titled "Mediated Truth: Media Literacy as a Moral Responsibility."

When we think of 'truth' in media, we often focus on content. But as Marshall McLuhan reminded us: "The medium is the message." Without us even realizing it, a medium like the internet or digital technology shapes the message in ways that make us vulnerable to manipulation through misinformation and disinformation, largely because of the nature of the medium itself.

This is where media literacy plays a vital role. It is defined as "the ability to critically assess and understand all forms of media, including its production and impact."