It is necessary to strengthen media education and democracy – 01/11/2024 – Education

The one-year anniversary of the anti-democratic attacks of January 8, 2023, widely remembered in recent days, has brought to light the importance of closing ranks in favor of the uncompromising defense of democracy and remaining alert to any attempt to misuse the very mechanisms that support it to precisely put it at risk. The improper and unscrupulous use of digital tools to undermine the credibility of institutions and to promote fraudulent content aimed at manipulating society must be combated with all strength. Likewise, we cannot allow the flag of freedom of expression to be improperly interpreted and for this fundamental right to be used as an instrument to commit attacks against informational integrity and against democracy itself.

In this year that begins, we need to face the challenges that arise, especially in the face of municipal elections, and put into practice priority actions to combat misinformation, strengthen the press and professional journalism, expand the implementation of media education —both in schools and outside them—, increase the transparency of digital platforms and hold accountable all those who use technology to commit crimes. If regulating digital platforms is necessary, educating society on their correct use is also necessary. No law, rule or norm will be enough if we do not have a society aware of its responsibility and its role in the information environment. No matter the medium, vehicle, tool or social network of the moment, it is necessary to reaffirm that each citizen has a role to play, whether acting as an agent promoting a healthier online environment, or combating undemocratic practices that disrespect those who think differently than us.

The pluralism of ideas, the diversity of voices, divergent opinions are part of democracy and knowing how to live with this myriad of opinions makes us stronger and more civilized. As the president of the STF, minister Luís Roberto Barroso, said in an article published on the 8th, in this Sheet: “Whoever thinks differently from me is not my enemy, but my partner in building an open and plural society.” And in his speech during a ceremony at the National Congress, he added: “May there come a time of pacification, in which people who think differently can sit at the same table and present their arguments in search of the best solution, without being offended or disqualify themselves.”

For 2024, the goal is to continue working to expand the actions of Instituto Palavra Aberta throughout Brazil, act in defense of media education, press and expression freedoms and put into practice the teachings of retired minister Rosa Weber, during the opening ceremony from the exhibition “After January 8: Reconstruction, Memory and Democracy”, at the STF headquarters, in Brasília, also on 01/08: “It is necessary to cultivate the garden of democracy in the uncompromising defense and strengthening of institutions.”