Why Our Everyday Digital Choices Matter
“Media and information literacy has never been so vital to build trust in information and knowledge at a time when notions of ‘truth’ have been challenged.” — Irina Bokova, Former Director-General of UNESCO
Technology has become part of almost everything we do, from how we communicate to how we understand events around the world. Nowadays, we can absorb lots of information through digital tools such as short videos, memes, or artificial intelligence (AI). When we find a short video interesting, we might share it with our friends, and if the information is useful, we repost it on our social media channels. However, before we choose to share or repost, have we considered whether the information is factual and reliable?
UNESCO describes digital literacy as the ability to access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate, and create information safely and appropriately through digital technologies. It goes beyond knowing how to use technology; it involves thinking critically about the information we encounter, verifying sources, protecting our privacy, and understanding the impact of our online actions. This highlights why digital literacy is not just about knowing how to use technology, but also about questioning information, verifying sources, and understanding the impact of our online actions.
Every year, Global Media and Information Literacy Week (October 24 to 31) raises digital awareness of the skills needed to access, evaluate, and use information responsibly. The 2026 theme, “We All Play a Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People,” highlights that building a more trustworthy information environment is a shared responsibility. As the current UNESCO Director-General emphasizes, “On this Global Media and Information Literacy Week, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to empowering everyone to navigate information critically, participate freely and contribute to a more trustworthy information environment.” This message brings us back to the idea at the heart of our opening quote: at a time when truth can be challenged and misinformation can spread quickly, media and information literacy empowers us to question what we see, make informed decisions, and contribute to a digital environment built on trust. Whether we check a source before sharing a post, protect our privacy, or respect different opinions online, we all have a role to play in making that environment safer, more inclusive, and more reliable.
Building a better digital future begins with the decisions we make every day. But how can we put digital literacy into practice? We can start with simple activities, such as comparing how different media outlets report the same event, checking the source of a viral post, discussing how social media influences our opinions, or exploring online safety through interactive resources. Cornell University's Youth Development Program offers useful activities and resources that educators, parents, and young people can explore to develop media literacy and encourage more responsible digital participation.
Young people are at the forefront of digital participation. As active users and creators of digital content and emerging technologies, students need opportunities to think critically, recognize bias, and engage with information from different perspectives. Through digitally facilitated IVECA’s intercultural virtual exchange, students connect with peers across cultures, exchange ideas, and explore global issues together. These direct daily interactions give them opportunities to question assumptions, develop intercultural understanding, and communicate responsibly in an increasingly connected world.
By thinking before we share, questioning what we read, and respecting others online, we can turn these interconnected digital spaces into opportunities for learning, meaningful dialogue, and positive change. Every informed choice matters, every responsible voice counts, and we all play a part in shaping a better-connected world.
