Filipinos Grapple with Pervasive Fake News, SWS Survey Reveals
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by Stratbase Group, has unveiled a troubling reality: the majority of Filipinos find it challenging to distinguish between genuine and fabricated news, both online and in traditional media. This difficulty comes amidst a widespread recognition of fake news as a serious problem, impacting public discourse and potentially influencing democratic processes. The survey, conducted in February 2024 with 1,800 respondents nationwide, paints a stark picture of the information landscape in the Philippines.
The SWS survey revealed that a significant 59% of respondents considered fake news on internet platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube to be a “serious” issue. This concern extended to traditional media as well, with an even higher 62% deeming fake news in television, radio, and newspapers as “serious.” This widespread perception underscores the pervasiveness of disinformation across various media channels, highlighting the need for improved media literacy and critical thinking skills among the public.
Adding to the concern, a majority of Filipinos (65%) admitted to finding it difficult to identify fake news, regardless of the medium. Of those, 43% described the task as “somewhat difficult,” while a concerning 22% found it “very difficult.” This difficulty in discerning fact from fiction creates fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and its potential to manipulate public opinion and erode trust in credible sources.
The survey also highlighted the frequency with which Filipinos encounter fake news. A majority (55%) reported encountering fabricated information frequently, with 27% saying they encountered it “often” and 28% “sometimes.” This constant exposure to misleading information further complicates the challenge of staying informed and making informed decisions. The sheer volume of fake news circulating makes it difficult even for those with a discerning eye to consistently filter out the falsehoods.
The implications of these findings are particularly troubling in the context of elections, where the manipulation of information can have significant consequences on democratic processes. Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase Group, emphasized the threat posed by fake news, stating that it “manipulates public opinion, distorts democratic choices, and enables corrupt forces to maintain power.” The ability of fake news to sway public sentiment underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to combat its spread and mitigate its impact on democratic institutions.
Beyond the immediate concern of elections, the survey results also point to the broader challenge of foreign interference and malign influence operations, particularly those promoting pro-China narratives. Manhit highlighted the evolving tactics of “cyber troops,” who are no longer simply leaving misinformation in comments but are actively creating content and spreading disinformation to shape public perception. This sophisticated approach to information manipulation requires a multi-faceted response that involves government agencies, media organizations, and civil society groups working together to promote media literacy, expose disinformation campaigns, and hold perpetrators accountable. The fight against fake news is a collective responsibility that demands constant vigilance and proactive measures to protect the integrity of information ecosystems.