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The reliance of young people on so-called influencers and social media platforms as their primary sources of news and information contributes to the lowering of the public's intellectual quotient (IQ). Thus, said House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Thursday, June 15 as she expressed deep concern over the prevailing media landscape in the Philippines. "The proliferation of fake news and disinformation is a serious threat to our society. It is imperative that we promote media literacy and critical thinking skills among our youth to combat the spread of false information and ensure a well-informed citizenry," Castro said. According to the Makabayan solon, this shift in preference from traditional news outlets to influencers and social media has led to spread of fake news and disinformation, "which, in turn, contributes to the erosion of critical thinking and the lowering of the [IQ] of the public". She added, "We must also address the causes of this trend by strengthening the media industry, protecting journalists, and upholding their rights to report without fear of reprisal." "It is high time that we put an end to the culture of impunity that allows these attacks on media freedom to persist like the case of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who is in prison for more than three years already due to trumped up charges," Castro said. Cumpio — a journalist for Eastern Vista in Tacloban City — had been red-tagged and had documented incidents of harassment and surveillance before she was arrested, she noted. Castro urged her fellow lawmakers to support and pass legislation that would uphold press freedom and guarantee the people's right to access reliable and unbiased information. "The media plays a vital role in our democracy. We must stand together to defend their rights and work towards a media landscape that is free, impartial, and accountable," Castro concluded.