Why younger generations need critical thinking, fact-checking and media verification to stay safe online

The information ecosystem has shifted significantly due to technological advancements like AI and changing consumption patterns. This evolution offers broader access to information and introduces significant challenges, especially for younger generations growing up in a digital and social media-dominated world. Initiatives, such as UNESCO’s Global Media Information Literacy (MIL) Week, are vital for raising awareness and fostering the necessary skills to navigate this complex landscape.

Digital technology has profoundly impacted how younger generations consume media. Traditional outlets, like newspapers and television, are increasingly losing ground to digital platforms. According to the Digital News Report 2024 from Reuters and Oxford University, platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are now central to how news is consumed. YouTube is used by 31% of the global population weekly for news, WhatsApp by 21% and TikTok, with 13%, has overtaken X, at 10%, as a news source.

The rise of short-form, visually-driven content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels exemplifies this shift. Algorithms personalize content feeds, engaging younger users with bite-sized information. Two-thirds of users access short news videos weekly, highlighting the increasing importance of visual content. These shifts present challenges for traditional publishers, especially around monetization and ensuring deeper engagement with complex issues.

As consumers and creators of digital content, young people play a critical role in today’s digital landscape. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram have democratized media creation, allowing anyone with a smartphone to publish and share content with a global audience. This ease of access brings vast opportunities for creativity and self-expression, yet also underscores the need for media literacy skills to navigate the digital ecosystem responsibly. Young people must learn to critically assess information sources, understand the fundamentals of fact-checking, recognize disinformation and protect their online privacy. These skills enable them to consume digital content thoughtfully and to contribute positively by creating ethical, accurate and respectful content.

UNESCO’s Global Media Information Literacy (MIL) Week, celebrated annually between 24 and 31 October, is a key platform for addressing the complexities of today’s information ecosystem. In the digital age, media literacy is essential for ensuring a safer, more informed internet. Global MIL Week promotes critical thinking, fact-checking and media verification, helping individuals develop the skills to discern credible sources from misinformation or harmful content.

Global MIL Week fosters global cooperation through educational programmes, public awareness campaigns and collaborations among governments, tech companies and civil society. These efforts are crucial for building a safer and more informed digital environment, as media literacy plays a pivotal role in combating disinformation and addressing online safety concerns.

This year’s edition focuses on the rise of digital content creators as news providers changing the game in the global information landscape. With the power to reach millions of followers or engage niche communities, they play a crucial role in providing public-interest information to their audience. Despite their growing influence, there is an urgent need for a framework that acknowledges their contributions, while ensuring they are equipped with the media and information literacy skills needed to deliver reliable and ethical content and address mis/disinformation and hate speech.

During Global MIL Week, UNESCO is launching the #PostWithCare campaign mobilizing digital content creators and social media users to share the campaign assets and create content about how they ensure to hashtag #PostWithCare.

Media information literacy is essential for building a safe and informed online environment, but implementing it effectively requires a whole-of-society approach. Media literacy skills are valuable to people of all ages, as individuals across society engage daily with digital content. This makes the ability to assess information sources, recognize disinformation and practice secure online behaviours increasingly crucial. Extending media literacy training beyond the younger generation to include adults, parents, educators and seniors fosters a more informed, resilient and responsible digital society. A society-wide commitment to media literacy creates a collective foundation for safe navigation of the digital landscape and builds a more secure and well-informed internet for everyone.

While educating the younger generation is vital, the lasting impact of media literacy hinges on coordinated efforts across sectors. Governments, tech companies, civil society and academia must collaborate to build a safer digital environment for all. The Global Coalition for Digital Safety exemplifies this essential multistakeholder approach, uniting diverse stakeholders to address shared digital safety challenges and to develop solutions that benefit the broader society.

As digital technologies advance and consumption patterns evolve, the responsibility to safeguard the online environment becomes a shared one. Only through cross-sector collaboration and a sustained focus on media and information literacy can we foster a digital ecosystem that prioritizes truth, safety and informed participation. Empowering the younger generation with critical media literacy skills is especially pivotal, as they are active consumers and creators of digital content.