Facts over fiction

A government that speaks out about misinformation during press conferences may be seen by advocates as taking adequate action, but with modern social media feeds spreading misleading information to learners and teachers, when does speaking out about misinformation become a temporary fix rather than a lasting solution?

Schools in the Philippines face the challenge of helping learners and teachers recognize misinformation online. The Department of Education (DepEd) has also warned about users spreading false information on social media platforms. Schools aim to teach learners and teachers how to identify false information online so they will not be misled by fake news. By teaching learners how to find, analyze and evaluate information, schools hope to prevent confusion.

However, removing these rose-colored glasses raises an important question: Is the government taking adequate action against the spread of false information on modern social media feeds, or is it relying on temporary fixes? To guide the public in this debate, the matter must be judged through reasonable standards, ensuring that every concern is weighed with balance and reason, not bias.

The government is relying on temporary fixes if schools are not provided with resources that significantly help them combat misinformation.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has emphasized the importance of resources and media literacy in helping learners and teachers identify false information. With proper resources, schools would be better equipped to teach learners and teachers how to identify and analyze misinformation. However, this remains a challenge as misleading information continues to circulate on social media. A September 2022 Pulse Asia survey found that 68% of respondents who encountered misinformation about government and politics identified the internet or social media as a source. Parents may also find their children confused after encountering and believing fake news. This raises concerns about whether the government’s efforts are enough or merely temporary fixes.

On the other hand, those who believe the government is taking adequate action argue that learners and teachers can simply avoid misinformation online, even if schools lack the resources to identify false information. They claim that the government cannot give all its attention to one issue because there are more important matters to prioritize. Yet this position deserves scrutiny: Avoiding misinformation online is nearly impossible, as news and other information appear in people’s feeds daily. Despite years of awareness about the problem, misinformation remains a challenge. Therefore, providing resources to help identify misinformation remains important.

Weighing these arguments, it all boils down to this undeniable truth: Providing resources to help combat misinformation is essential to addressing the spread of false information on social media platforms. Without this pillar, the plan is like a house without a strong foundation — it may look good on paper, but it cannot stand in the real world. True progress happens when these standards are met because they can help guarantee better outcomes for the community.

The challenge is no longer just about ideas but about bold action. Authorities must place the true needs of the community at the center of every decision. The public must also ensure that its voice is never ignored. As the famous saying goes, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The time to act is now so that a better, fairer tomorrow is secured, not merely promised. Let this serve as our ultimate wake-up call: Facts over fiction.

The author is a Grade 6 pupil at Batad Central School in Batad, Iloilo, and an aspiring journalist. She won first place in English editorial writing at the recently concluded 5th District Congressional Schools Press Conference (CSPC) in Lemery, Iloilo. She also won first place at the 5th CSPC in Barotac Viejo, making her a back-to-back champion.