15/07/2025
𝑻𝑼𝑬𝑺𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑬𝑺 | Disinformation on social media has been a significant and complex global problem that impacts societies in multiple ways. Disinformation is false information that is spread on purpose to deceive or manipulate people. Unlike simple mistakes or rumors, disinformation is created with the intent to mislead.
Disinformation in the Philippines has become a toxic virus infecting social media, where lies are louder than facts and trolls act like truth-tellers. It is frustrating and honestly embarrassing how easily people believe and share obviously fake stories, especially when they fit their biases. A perfect example is the recent smear campaign against Senator Risa Hontiveros, where a manipulated video of a Senate witness was spread online to make it look like she bribed and coerced testimony. That video was not just a cheap shot—it was a deliberate attack meant to destroy credibility and scare off other witnesses. The worst part is that she is not the only one who has been a victim of disinformation on social media. Countless public servants, journalists, and ordinary citizens have been targeted, silenced, or harassed by fake narratives. It shows just how dirty and dangerous disinformation has become in our country, where even justice can be hijacked by a viral lie.
Disinformation typically rises when it comes to anything related to politics. It is used to spark controversy, influence voter decisions, confuse and distract the public, and even create division among people. What makes it more dangerous is how easily it spreads on social media, where false information can go viral within minutes and reach thousands before the truth even catches up. And the worst part? There is really no strong or consistent force guarding social media. While fact-checkers and some platforms try to stop it, they often act too late or not at all, allowing disinformation to spread freely and damage public trust.
Also, disinformation can seriously damage a student’s academic career by leading them to believe false information, which affects how they understand lessons and complete schoolwork. When students rely on unverified sources, they may submit incorrect answers, form misguided opinions, or struggle to meet academic expectations. Over time, this can lower their grades, reduce their confidence, and weaken their ability to think critically. Disinformation also encourages lazy research habits, making students more dependent on quick answers rather than learning how to find reliable information. If left unaddressed, it can create long-term learning gaps and harm their overall success in school.
In addition to all of this, if Filipinos continue to be this gullible and quick to believe every piece of disinformation they see online, then honestly, the Philippines has little hope of becoming a better country. It is disappointing how so many people blindly share fake news without thinking, as if common sense and basic fact-checking are optional. What is worse are the people who deliberately create and spread these lies. They are not just ignorant—they are dangerous. They poison public opinion, twist the truth, and drag the whole nation backward. How can we expect real progress when voters are easily fooled, justice is swayed by viral lies, and people care more about drama than facts? If this culture of carelessness and manipulation continues, we are not moving forward—we are sinking deeper.
Some might argue that disinformation is not as big a problem as people claim, and that most Filipinos are smart enough to tell fact from fiction. However, this view clearly falls apart when you consider how easily fake stories go viral and influence public opinion, elections, and even the justice system, as seen in the smear campaign against Senator Risa Hontiveros. That example alone proves that disinformation is not just real but dangerous, because when people are misled on a large scale, the truth no longer matters—and that is exactly what makes the problem so serious.
In conclusion, disinformation in the Philippines is a growing threat that poisons public understanding, damages reputations, misleads students, and weakens the nation’s progress. Its rapid spread on social media, especially during political events, shows how easily lies can overpower truth when people fail to think critically or question what they see online. To prevent this, Filipinos must become more responsible digital citizens by fact-checking before sharing, supporting credible sources, and demanding stronger action from social media platforms. Schools should also teach media literacy to help students recognize and resist false information. If we want a better and smarter future, we must stop letting disinformation control the truth.
✒️: Gary Emmanuel Saluta Aganan
🖼️: Ahmir Hipolito
💻: Trixia Lorraine Ortega