The need for media has become deeply embedded in the lives of Generation Z. A vast array of information and content—designed to be user-friendly and attention-grabbing—is now easily accessible through various media platforms. The digital era has fundamentally transformed society's conventional perception of media consumption by offering integrated accessibility and emphasizing the interactivity of information networks.

According to Ferdinand Tönnies (1988, p. 69), media—whether social media or mass media—acts as a platform that focuses public attention and opinion on a single point. It can also be seen as a domain that fosters collaboration, ultimately contributing to the formation of a social-community identity. Tönnies also believed that social media would guide humanity toward the concepts of Gemeinschaft (community) and Gesellschaft (society)—both characterized by shared awareness and mutual dependence in pursuit of common goals.

In response to this, Tönnies concluded that media can shape social perception through shared experiences in a unified space and the collective goals formed by individuals. It is undeniable that the overwhelming surge of accessible information and rapidly growing sources poses challenges for the public to filter and process information swiftly.

Moreover, opinion-based information can cultivate certain cultural and indicative traits in relation to the content. For example, quotes or excerpts lacking sufficient context can lead media consumers to form misguided perceptions.

Given the role of media as a vehicle for thought transformation, individuals—as media consumers—must approach information with greater wisdom and knowledge. As our experiences with information expand, we must also develop strategies to combat misinformation. This is where media literacy plays a vital role in countering logical fallacies and emotional bias that may arise from media content.

Media literacy helps to correct and sharpen one’s critical thinking abilities. It empowers individuals to discern the truth behind information and protects them from biases stemming from media consumption. It is essential to remember that correlation does not necessarily imply causation—“Cum ergo hoc propter hoc.”

As students of Communication Studies at Dian Nusantara University, you are undoubtedly familiar with the concept: “Who says what to whom in which channel with what effect.” Every form of communication—both verbal and non-verbal—shapes human thought. This highlights how a message delivered by a communicator will inevitably produce an effect on its audience.

The urgent need for a high level of media literacy should be a national development priority, so that future generations can be safeguarded from misinformation, logical fallacies, subjective bias, and psychosocial disparity. Media literacy is essential for understanding how digital media operates and for evaluating the information derived from it (Avdeeva & Tarasova, 2023; Zuhri & Arif, 2024).

By raising awareness and nurturing curiosity about the accuracy of media content, we can foster a more critical and intelligent society when it comes to consuming information. Information should not merely be seen as a consumable product, but rather as a driving force of life. Therefore, as academics and agents of education, Generation Z has a pivotal role in addressing bias and logical errors in pursuit of a more educated and professional nation.