The discussion was focused on the media manipulation phenomenon, which unfortunately, according to V. Botnaru, can be also felt in Moldova. The journalist brought examples of conflict subjects where the press, deliberately or not, show the position of a single involved part, this leading many times to severe consequences, of scission and conflict in society. Eloquent in this matter is the situation in the neighboring country, Ukraine, which in the last months became a real theatre of media war.
”You are young and still vulnerable to the danger of media manipulation. On you depends a lot how the situation of Moldova in the next years will be, that is why you should be responsible in the media consumption, doubt the news, or simpler: don’t believe and always look for alternative and independent sources!”, advised the students V. Botnaru.
„The idea of media literacy is a very actual and salutary one, in the context of the information era and the parliamentary elections that will take place in November”, mentioned Ionel Gribincea, 1st year student.
„This activity is a good impulse for all the participants to inform themselves correctly from the media”, added Cristina Zacorneanu, 3rd year student. Iurie Spinu, also 3rd year student, concluded that: ”Vasile Botnaru`s speech was sincere and objective, and the advice that he gave us will definitely be very useful for us”.
The event took place as part of the project “Promoting media literacy among Moldovan citizens”, implemented by the IJC between March 2014 and April 2015 with the financial support of the US Embassy in Moldova.