ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I explore the societal aspects of text-on-screen use, building on the earlier discussion of viewer engagement. I examine the diverse applications of text-on-screen, going beyond its traditional role in enhancing viewing experiences. While Chapter 3 mainly examined its role in entertainment programmes, where it guides interpretation to ensure cognitive and affective mutuality, this chapter shifts the focus to situations where text-on-screen extends beyond its intended purpose, possibly leading to misuse. Whether this is orchestrated by TV producers or arises from technical glitches, such instances challenge viewers to exercise epistemic vigilance in distinguishing reliable information from potential misinformation. Drawing on the concepts of epistemic vigilance and trust, I demonstrate how viewers, far from being passive, actively employ text-on-screen to express opinions on societal issues and the media industry through sharing, commenting, and even creating satirical captions, revealing their resourcefulness in conveying their thoughts and attitudes, despite potential shortcomings in institutional and social mechanisms for epistemic vigilance.
