By Kokab Shahzad
& Mashal Rehman
In an age when roughly two-thirds of humanity has internet access, the ability to evaluate information has become essential. Yet both access and effective use of this resource vary widely. Some communities remain offline; others, despite abundant connectivity, often lack the skills required to assess the flood of online content and make sound decisions.
Digital platforms increasingly host misinformation and disinformation. People without adequate media and information literacy (MIL) are especially vulnerable to distorted claims, with consequences that include the spread of hate speech, racist narratives, and conspiracy theories. Such falsehoods materially alter public perceptions of current events and pressing issues.
UNESCO has addressed this challenge through a policy guide that promotes stronger MIL competencies. The guide treats literacy not merely as an educational goal but as a practical instrument for countering false information. By cultivating critical thinking, MIL enables individuals to engage media actively rather than passively, turning literacy into a form of empowerment amid information overload.
The digital divide therefore reflects not only unequal access but also unequal capacity to participate responsibly. For children growing up with pervasive technology, MIL involves more than safe consumption, it equips them to express ideas responsibly and constructively. Building these competencies is increasingly framed as a collective obligation a prerequisite for a more informed and resilient society.
Viewing MIL through the framework of Positive Peace underscores its broader significance. The “free flow of information” pillar stresses universal access to independent media, arguing that informed populations are foundational to transparent and collaborative societies. This aligns with the principle that access to impartial information should be guaranteed regardless of background or geography.
No doubt that platforms likewise Individualland are working for promoting and betterment of Media and information literacy but realizing this vision demands a holistic approach. Alongside MIL, other Positive Peace pillars such as well-functioning government play a role. Effective policies must educate younger generations in discernment, while public trust ensures that media oversight is not misused. Strengthening all eight pillars creates the conditions for human potential to flourish. Approaching MIL in this way situates literacy not only as an individual skill but as a cornerstone of peace and social resilience.
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