Combating Disinformation with "Edutainment": A Filipino Initiative Captivates Gen Z Audiences
In the Philippines, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by media and information literacy advocate John Kelly Alpapara is demonstrating how critical thinking and fact-checking skills can be effectively imparted to Gen Z Filipinos through an engaging and relatable medium. Alpapara’s “Project MILES: Miles in Love,” a three-episode vertical video series on Facebook, has achieved remarkable success, garnering over 1.5 million views, 40,000 reactions, and hundreds of comments. Published on the Facebook page of The Stateans, the official student publication of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), the series cleverly utilizes “edutainment” to address the crucial issue of online disinformation, capturing the attention of young Filipinos and empowering them with essential critical thinking tools. This innovative project exemplifies how creative strategies can be employed to combat the pervasive spread of misinformation in the digital age.
The genesis of Alpapara’s project lies in his participation in the “Movers For Facts” media and information literacy workshops, a collaborative effort between Rappler, the fact-checking coalition #FactsFirstPH, and DW Akademie, the international media development and journalism training arm of Deutsche Welle. Funded by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, these workshops equipped Alpapara with the knowledge and resources to develop his unique approach to media literacy education. The “Miles in Love” series leverages the popular format of short, vertical videos, perfectly suited for consumption on mobile devices and social media platforms frequented by Gen Z audiences. By embedding critical thinking lessons within an entertaining narrative, Alpapara has successfully created a compelling and accessible resource for young Filipinos navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
The narrative heart of “Miles in Love” revolves around Miles, a teacher who, after a fortuitous head injury, finds himself transported back to his student days. Armed with the fact-checking and critical thinking skills he acquired as an adult, Miles embarks on a mission to rectify past mistakes, including a pivotal error that impacted his love life. The name "Miles" cleverly doubles as an acronym for Media and Information Literacy for Empowered Stateans, a fitting moniker given the project’s target audience of CBSUA students. Alpapara, an information officer at CBSUA, collaborated with student journalists from The Stateans, who served as both cast and production team, ensuring the series resonated authentically with its intended viewers.
Each episode of “Miles in Love” seamlessly integrates key concepts from the Rappler and DW Akademie workshops, covering topics such as fact-checking techniques, digital hygiene, and understanding media consumption habits. The first episode vividly illustrates the pervasiveness of disinformation within the CBSUA student community and its potentially damaging consequences. Subsequent episodes showcase Miles utilizing his newfound skills to expose AI manipulation and uncover online scams, demonstrating the practical application of critical thinking in everyday situations. This narrative approach effectively engages viewers while imparting valuable lessons on how to identify and combat misinformation.
The success of "Miles in Love" underscores the effectiveness of combining entertainment with education to address complex issues. By presenting media literacy concepts within a relatable and engaging storyline, the series resonates with young audiences, sparking their interest and encouraging them to actively participate in the fight against disinformation. This innovative approach transcends traditional educational methods, leveraging the power of storytelling to convey crucial information and empower individuals to become more discerning consumers of online content.
Alpapara’s project serves as a compelling example of how media and information literacy initiatives can be tailored to specific audiences and cultural contexts. By understanding the preferences and habits of Gen Z Filipinos, he has crafted a highly effective campaign that utilizes popular platforms and formats to maximize its reach and impact. The collaborative nature of the project, involving both experienced professionals and student journalists, further enhances its authenticity and relevance. "Miles in Love" stands as a testament to the potential of creative and collaborative approaches to combat misinformation and empower individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the digital age. The project’s success has inspired further discussion and exploration within the #FactsFirstPH chat room in the Rappler Communities app, fostering a community of media and information literacy advocates dedicated to promoting critical thinking and fact-checking skills among those who need them most. This ongoing dialogue seeks to identify and develop innovative strategies to combat disinformation and build a more informed and resilient society.