Meeting People Where They Are: Media Literacy in the Digital Age

Daisy Alatorre-Cervantes first joined Reddit as part of the VerityEd Social Media Volunteer Program. Here’s what her background in law and human rights taught her about engaging with people where they are.

About the VerityEd Social Media Volunteer Program: Bringing Journalism to Reddit

VerityEd Social Media Volunteer Program is a volunteer-led initiative that brings Verity’s (verity.news) published stories and evidence-based journalism into Reddit subreddit communities where global news is actively debated and discussed. The program leverages Reddit’s community-driven structure to surface complex geopolitical, humanitarian, economic, and science reporting in a way that respects each subreddit’s norms while prioritizing transparency, neutrality, and non-spam engagement. Volunteers share stories responsibly, adapt framing to different audiences, and engage in comment threads where appropriate, allowing readers to explore how the same issue is interpreted across communities.



The program has become one of Verity’s most effective engagement channels. In June 2025 alone, volunteer-driven activity generated over 2 million views and thousands of comments and shares, with more than 3,000 super users or highly engaged readers clicking through to Verity. The approach has also received external recognition, including a Shorty Award for Audience Honor, highlighting its effectiveness as a model for ethical, community-based news distribution.

About the Author

“I am originally from Fontana, California, and a UC Berkeley student majoring in Legal Studies with a minor in Human Rights. I joined Verity News in Fall 2025 while studying and living abroad in Rome, Italy, as a Reddit Media Strategist—an opportunity that immediately appealed to me because it allowed me to contribute remotely while remaining engaged with global news and media literacy in an international context. As I write this, I am currently studying and interning in Dublin, Ireland, where I am working with the Houses of the Oireachtas for the Spring term. My academic and professional experiences abroad have deepened my interest in law, human rights, and the role of accurate media in shaping public understanding.”

From Rome to Reddit

When I joined Verity Ed as a Reddit Media Strategist, I was studying abroad in Rome, Italy, as part of my UC Berkeley experience as a Legal Studies major with a Human Rights Minor. I had never used Reddit before, but I quickly discovered that it was not only intuitive and easy to navigate, but also a powerful platform to reach audiences that might not otherwise engage with fact-checked, high-quality news.

“As a first-generation Latina, I feel a deep responsibility to share accurate information in today’s media landscape.”

Social media and technology make it incredibly easy for misinformation to spread, especially around political and legal issues, and I understand that not everyone has the time or resources to critically evaluate new sources. Through my work, I was able to bridge that gap, distilling complex legal and global news into digestible posts that highlighted Verity’s fact-checked reporting.

What I Learned About Reaching People Where They Are

“In just four months, my posts reached over 1.4 million views, which was both exhilarating and humbling. It made me realize how vital it is to meet audiences where they are, providing accessible yet accurate information that encourages engagement and learning.”

Engaging with law-adjacent communities on Reddit deepened my understanding of how legal information is consumed and perceived by the public. I learned that context, sourcing, and framing are essential: even small misrepresentations can distort understanding and contribute to misinformation. Crafting posts that balance accuracy with readability honed my skills in communication, research, and audience engagement. I learned to anticipate questions, highlight key details, and present nuanced topics in ways that were approachable without sacrificing rigor.

Mentorship and Community

This experience also reinforced my appreciation for the mentorship and community Verity Ed fosters. Ana Silva‘s guidance throughout the process was invaluable–her encouragement helped me navigate challenges, refine my approach, and grow more confident in my ability to educate others online.

“The connections I built with fellow interns and mentors have been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey, and I am grateful for the collaborative, supportive environment.”

What I’m Taking Forward

“Ultimately, working with Verity Ed has strengthened my commitment to media literacy and responsible information-sharing. It taught me that empowering communities with accurate knowledge is not just about reporting facts–it is about fostering critical thinking and trust in a world where misinformation speaks easily.”

For me, this work is a way to contribute to a more informed society, especially for those who, like me, may feel a personal responsibility to uplift and educate others. It also complements my academic path, helping me connect what I learn in Legal Studies and Human Rights courses to real-world applications in public understanding and civic engagement. I am proud to have been part of a platform that values trust, accessibility, and engagement, and I am confident that Verity Ed will continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.