26/05/2022
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, play a vital role in the dissemination of information. It has has changed the way we communicate, do business, get our daily news fix and so much more. The most obvious pros of using social networks are the ability to instantly connect with people, know real-time news and information discovery, great opportunities for business owners, and for general fun and enjoyment. However, it is no secret that there's also a dark side in using social media platforms. There is the rise of misinformation and fake news. The freedom to post any content given to social media users, paired with the lack of accountability from social media platforms enabled the proliferation of fake news. Rovili Bolneo Villanueva of Barangay Poblacion, Molo responsibly uses social media platforms and would like to stop or discredit fake news peddlers.
“As a social media user (Facebook) madamo gid ako mabasahan nga mga misinformation kag mga fake news specially sa kakatapos nga eleksyon. Ang akon gina ubra gina blocked ko nalang ang muna nga page or gina ignore. Tama ka toxic but then sa piyak nga bahin naman dako man ang mabulig sang social media sa akon,madamo ka mabal-an nga mga latest news kag sa akon nga work makabulig man ini sa pamaagi nga maka live selling kami kag maka update man sa amon mga customer.”
- Rovili Bolneo Villanueva
We must always remember that social media is a powerful tool since its strong influence in the country can shape society’s opinion on any individual or issue. We all must learn how to responsibly exercise our freedom to post content on our respective platforms, in accordance with the right to free speech, and of expression. We encourage everyone to report or flag posts that are considered false or misleading and we must always put in mind to think before we click.