John Erico L. Pimentel SOC 4.

1 XB
Penelope Lara O. Tabamo

Title: The Filipino Infodemic and the Disinformation Ecosystem in the National Elections
Social Problem: Biased, Slanted Journalism
Story
We had our fair share of experiences and stories regarding the disinformation
infodemic. Since the 2016 Philippine presidential elections, the Internet has been
infiltrated with negative propaganda, and it continued with the 2019 senatorial elections
and the 2022 presidential elections.
We have been personally victimized by unsubstantiated, false information that was
meant to elevate one candidate and disparage the other. It widened the gap of political
divisiveness in the country. Many viewed from red-tinted glasses, yellow-tinted lenses,
even rose-colored glasses. Many personal relationships were severed because of
politics—we’ve lost friends and acquaintances because at one time, one of us sided on
the other side of the coin. One of us believed in disinformation, not allowing ourselves to
be critical thinkers to better assess certain situations.
Looking back at our previous experiences, we are privileged enough to say that through
proper political and electoral education, we were able to open our eyes to the social
realities faced by our country. Beyond all these negative propaganda and prejudices,
what we don’t know is that there are public servants we may have misinterpreted—or
some even may have been put in a positive light but need to hold accountable for the
issues we are not even aware of at first. Regardless, these are some of the measures
we need to consider: put political and electoral education at the forefront of our study
curriculum. As this will allow the youth and the woke citizenry to uphold and recognize
democracy, and become agents of true, genuine, and authentic information.
The Social Problem
Prejudicial journalism, commonly referred to as biased or slanted journalism, is the
practice of presenting news and information in a way that reflects the journalist's own
bias or prejudice. Prejudiced journalism can take various forms, including selective
reporting on specific events or subjects, the use of provocative or sensational language,
and the distortion of facts to fit a specific narrative.
Biased journalism may also result in fake news because it may publish incorrect
material intentionally or accidentally to support their specific perspective or goal. To
promote their point of view, prejudiced journalists may cherry-pick facts, overlook
essential information, or twist the truth in some circumstances.
Fake news in politics is a rising concern not only in Mindanao, but throughout the world.
Because of the region's history of conflict and political tensions, the topic of fake news
can be especially sensitive in Mindanao. False information can swiftly spread, causing
misunderstandings, mistrust, and even bloodshed.
The distribution of misleading information about political candidates during elections is
one type of fake news in Mindanao. Candidates and their supporters may use social
media to propagate rumors and falsehoods about their opponents in order to discredit
them and obtain a polling edge.
False reports of election fraud or anomalies, misleading information about candidates'
qualifications or policies, or created news stories aimed to affect public opinion are
some types of fake news that may circulate during the Philippines' 2022 elections.
Fake news can have major effects in global politics, such as weakening trust in
institutions, causing divides among different groups of people, and even encouraging
violence. For example, during the 2016 United States presidential election, fake news
items were widely disseminated on social media, potentially influencing voters'
perceptions and ultimately influencing the election's outcome.
Fake news can be used to promote specific political agendas, such as distributing
propaganda in favor of a particular government or ideology, in addition to elections. This
can be done by either states or non-state actors such as extremist groups.
Effects and Consequences of the Social Problem
The erosion of public faith in the media is one of the most serious consequences of
biased journalism and false news. People may become less likely to accept or depend
on news sources if they feel the media is biased or journalists give misleading
information. This has major implications for democracy, as a free and independent
press is critical for holding those in power responsible and keeping the public informed
about vital topics.
Biased journalism and false news can also help spread disinformation and perpetuate
damaging misconceptions and prejudices. When erroneous material is presented as
reality, media consumers may find it difficult to discriminate between what is true and
what is not. This has the potential to disseminate destructive falsehoods, conspiracy
theories, and propaganda.
Furthermore, biased journalism and fake news can contribute to societal polarization
and division. When people are solely exposed to information that reinforces their
pre-existing opinions and biases, they may become more entrenched in their positions
and less open to explore different viewpoints. This can result in a breakdown in civic
dialogue and a rise in societal strife.
The theory that can be instilled in this social problem is the Limited-effect Theory
because it contends that people are not passive media consumers, but rather actively
choose and interpret media messages based on pre-existing views and values. As a
result, the impact of the media is dependent on individual criteria such as social
standing, education level, and political opinions.
Best Practices
According to a recent Pulse Asia survey, roughly nine out of ten Filipino adults, or 86
percent, believe that the spread of "fake news" is a problem in the nation.
Legislators from the House of Representatives want to make it illegal to produce and
distribute false information, pointing out that many Filipinos have been misled by
internet disinformation.
As a matter of fact, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, proliferating misleading
information, unsubstantiated claims, and other types of disinformation that may hinder
an effective, coordinated response to the health crisis is illegal and punishable by law.
Citizens caught peddling false information may face charges under either Section 6 (f)
of Republic Act 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal As One Act) or Republic Act 10175
(Anti-Cybercrime Law).
Finland, on the other hand, was one of the nations that handled the misinformation
issue the best. Schools there collaborated with the Faktabaari fact-checking
organization to create a digital literacy toolbox for elementary through high school
students studying about the EU elections. Examining claims from YouTube videos and
social media postings, contrasting media bias in various "clickbait" pieces, exploring
how false information preys on readers' emotions, and even having students try their
hand at creating fake news stories themselves are just a few of the activities that are
included in the exercises.
To prevent the spread of fake news during the elections, it is important for individuals to
carefully evaluate the information they encounter and to rely on trusted sources of news
and information. Furthermore, media outlets and social media platforms must accept
responsibility for fact-checking and verifying the information they publish, as well as
work to promote responsible journalism practices.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government organizations can
also help prevent fake news by providing accurate and timely information to the public
and taking action against people or groups that distribute misleading information.
Finally, civil society organizations can try to increase media literacy and inform the
public about the hazards of fake news.