By Rebecca Avusu
It usually starts with a message.
A forwarded WhatsApp text. A voice notes from a “trusted” contact. A short TikTok video with dramatic captions. It feels urgent. It feels important, and most of all, it feels true.
Sometimes, the message even comes with urgency:
“Forward this to 10 people to save a life.”
It feels responsible to share. It feels like the right thing to do, but rarely do we stop to ask, is this even true?
So, we forward it.
In Ghana today, this simple act of forwarding a message without verifying has become one of the most powerful ways information travels. But it is also how misinformation and disinformation spread quickly, quietly, and sometimes dangerously.
This is why Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is no longer optional. It is essential.
The New Information Reality
We live in an era of information overload. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and even community radio stations have become primary sources of news for many young people.
But here’s the challenge:
not everything you read or hear online is true.
Some contents are misleading, some completely false, with others deliberately designed to manipulate emotions, influence opinions or create division.
Disinformation doesn’t just exist online; it shapes real-life decisions. It influences how people vote, how communities respond to health information, and how trust is built or broken within society.
Why Young People Are at the Centre
Young people between the ages of 15 and 35 are among the most active users of digital platforms in Ghana. National data shows that Ghana had over 24 million internet users (about 70% of the population) and approximately 7.4–7.9 million social media users in 2024–2025. Notably, young adults dominate these platforms, with users aged 18–34 forming the largest share across platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Given their high levels of engagement and content creation, this group functions not only as consumers of information but also as active distributors within Ghana’s digital ecosystem.
Every share, retweet, repost or forward makes them part of the information ecosystem.
This is powerful.
But it also comes with responsibility.
Without the right skills to question, verify and interpret information, young people can unknowingly become amplifiers of false narratives. On the other hand, with the right tools, they can become defenders of truth and agents of positive change.
What Media and Information Literacy Really Means?
Media and Information Literacy is more than just the ability to read or use a smartphone. It is about developing critical thinking skills that help individuals:
- Ask: Who created this message, and why?
- Verify: Is this information accurate and from a credible source?
- Reflect: How does this content make me feel, and is that intentional?
- Act: Should I share this, challenge it, or ignore it?
MIL empowers people to move from passive consumption to active, informed engagement.
From Forwarding to Fact-Checking
Imagine this:
Instead of instantly forwarding a message, a young person pauses. They check the source. They search for verification. They question the intent behind the message.
That moment of pause can stop the spread of false information.
Now imagine something more powerful:
That same young person doesn’t just stop there; they correct the misinformation in their group chat. They explain why it’s false. They share verified information instead.
That is civic action.
This is how Media and Information Literacy transform individuals into active participants in strengthening democracy.
MIL Protects Communities and Democracy
A healthy democracy depends on informed citizens.
When people make decisions based on false or misleading information, the consequences can be serious; ranging from poor civic choices to increased tension and mistrust within communities.
Disinformation thrives where there are gaps:
- Gaps in knowledge
- Gaps in trust
- Gaps in access to credible information
MIL helps close these gaps.
It equips citizens with the skills to navigate complex information environments, engage in meaningful discussions, and hold institutions accountable.
“Your decisions online can affect your community offline.”
Building a Culture of Critical Thinking
The fight against disinformation is not just about technology or regulation. It is about people.
It is about building a culture where:
- Questioning information is normal
- Verifying sources is expected
- Sharing responsibly is valued
This culture starts with education, but it grows through everyday actions; conversations in homes, discussions in classrooms, and interactions on digital platforms.
Turning Awareness to Action
Media and Information Literacy is not just a concept to understand; it is a practice to live.
Every time you:
- Pause before sharing
- Verify before believing
- Speak up against false information
You are contributing to a more informed and resilient society.
In a world where one forwarded message can reach hundreds in seconds, your actions matter more than ever.
Final Thought
The next time a message pops up on your phone urgent, emotional, and ready to be forwarded,
Pause. Ask questions.
Think critically.
Because in that moment, you are not just a receiver of information. You are a gatekeeper.
And Ghana’s first line of defense against disinformation starts with you.
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