SERIOUS PROBLEM | Over 50% of adult Filipinos find difficulty in spotting fake news, says SWS

February 9, 2022 , 11:23 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(February 9, 2022) – Half of the country’s adult population encounter difficulties in detecting fake news whether in traditional or social media, while many believe that disinformation is still a serious concern, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

SWS president Linda Luz Guerrero reported that 51% cannot easily distinguish real news from false information. Around 38% find it “somewhat difficult,” while around 13% find it “very difficult.” The survey covered 1,440 respondents.

“We see that the problem of fake news is just as serious in media as it is on the internet and in fact, it is rising,” said Guerrero in a forum hosted by the Asian Institute of Management on Monday.

The survey also showed that about 67% agreed that the problem of fake news is serious, rising by about nine points from the rate seen in December 2017. Around 68% also affirmed that fake news is a grave concern, showing an increase from the 60% reported four years ago.

Dr. Leo Laroza, a communications specialist from SWS, said the findings were a bit worrisome, especially in the lead-up to the 2022 elections. He, however, pointed out that they still need to thoroughly scrutinize the data to establish direct links between the ability to spot fake news and voter perception.

“Actually, (four) years ago, seryosong findings na kaagad ito kaya nga mas nakakabahala nga na (four) years later sa parehong platform, maging sa media o sa internet, ay parehong tumaas ang mga nagsasabi na seryoso ang pagkalat ng fake news,” said Laroza on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa Radyo 5.

Earlier, a research firm from the Ateneo School of Government also reported that the supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte and those relying on Facebook for information are more vulnerable to fake news. Most of those who took part in the study only had “average skills in identifying fake news.”

Peddlers of fake news have continued to infiltrate social media, especially Facebook, which muddles the information landscape. Many of the false information being spread are related to the 2022 elections even before the official 90-day campaign period began on Tuesday.

Vice President Leni Robredo, an independent presidential candidate, was the biggest victim of disinformation, based on the reports made by fact-checking initiative Tsek.PH. In contrast, Bongbong Marcos Jr., the standard-bearer of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, got positive messaging from fake news.

“Majority of those (disinformation) are directed against Robredo. Every week, she is the biggest victim of disinformation or negative messaging,” said Prof. Yvonne Chua from the University of the Philippines.

Laroza reminded Filipinos to always be discerning and responsible before spreading the information they see online.

“(It would be good) to check and double check ‘yung sources talaga ng news (dahil) may mga balita kung minsan na hindi malinaw kung ano or sino ‘yung nag-akda ng source,” said Laroza.

(PM)

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