Literacy, the antidote to noise and fakes

In recent times, the significance of media and information literacy has come to the forefront as a means to combat the rampant spread of false information and disinformation, especially in today's digital age. A recent Pulse Asia survey revealed that 72 percent of Filipino adults view the proliferation of false information as a major problem, with Facebook being the primary news source for 91 percent of respondents.

This prevalence of misleading content has led to substantial financial losses in the Philippines, with an estimated P121.8 billion lost to scams in the previous year, affecting around 11.7 million adults.

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, lawmakers have proposed measures to address the problem through penalties, regulatory mechanisms, and takedown procedures for online disinformation. Government agencies have also initiated programs such as Oplan Kontra Fake News and various reporting platforms to identify and tackle misleading content. However, there are concerns that such measures could potentially infringe upon press freedom and genuine journalism.

The challenge now lies in finding a balance between protecting individuals from deception and maintaining an open and democratic discussion. Media and information literacy, which the author has witnessed evolve over their four-decade-long communications career, is considered the most sustainable solution. This concept has become increasingly crucial in the face of the widespread and convincing nature of misinformation and disinformation.

The author shares personal anecdotes of encountering fake content, such as deepfake advertisements featuring their face and name promoting non-existent electricity-saving devices and manipulated quote cards portraying them as hostile towards renewable energy advocates. These instances highlight the importance of critical thinking and verifying information before sharing it.

Meralco, the electric distribution utility where the author works, is also a frequent target of misinformation. To combat this, the company launched "Mapanuring Meralco," a program aimed at encouraging employees and stakeholders to become more discerning consumers and sharers of information. This program includes exhibits, activities, and educational forums that emphasize the importance of responsible information consumption and critical thinking.

The emphasis is no longer solely on identifying fake news on social media but also understanding the workings of algorithms, online sentiment manipulation, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping information dissemination and user biases.