Under the heading of the eighth commandment, the Catechism of the Catholic Church also treats issues concerning the mass media, saying, for instance, “The means of social communication (especially the

Under the heading of the eighth commandment, the Catechism of the Catholic Church also treats issues concerning the mass media, saying, for instance, “The means of social communication (especially the mass media) can give rise to a certain passivity among users, making them less than vigilant consumers of what is said and shown. Users should practice moderation and discipline in their approach to the mass media. They will want to form enlightened and correct consciences, the more easily to resist unwholesome influences.”

Nothing can justify recourse to disinformation for manipulating public opinion through the media. … Confidences prejudicial to another are not to be divulged. … Interventions by public authority should avoid injuring the freedom of individuals or groups.