NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Fake News Crisis: Why Social Media's Lies Are Threatening Our Democracy
Screengrab from Congress PH
Misinformation Is Out of Control—and It’s Time We Did Something About It.
It’s no secret that fake news has been running wild on social media. But now, it’s more than just a few misleading posts—it’s a full-blown crisis, and according to Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, it’s threatening the very core of our democracy.
During a recent House Tri-Committee hearing on digital disinformation, Pimentel didn’t mince words. “This is a crisis,” he said. “And we need to look at all sides of it—how social media platforms are involved, how algorithms push false content, and even how our own psychology makes us more vulnerable to fake news.”
It’s a timely warning. The digital world is changing fast, and so is the way we access information. While it’s easier than ever to get news with just a few taps, that same convenience has also opened the floodgates for harmful narratives, twisted truths, and social division.
Pimentel pointed out that fake news doesn’t just hurt people—it chips away at institutions and the trust we place in them. And with the 2025 midterm elections just around the corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“Fake news is being used as a weapon, especially against candidates. But it doesn’t just affect those being attacked—it impacts our entire nation,” he said in Filipino.
His call to action? Be vigilant. Be critical. And don’t just scroll past false information—call it out. “We can’t afford to ignore this anymore,” he stressed. “We all have a role in fighting back.”
The committee also brought in experts and advocates who’ve been battling disinformation on the front lines. Their goal? Not just to talk about the problem, but to find real, workable solutions—whether that’s through better education, new policies, or smarter tech.
“This isn’t just about protecting facts,” Pimentel said. “It’s about protecting the future—for ourselves, and for the next generation.”
Bottom line? The war on fake news isn’t just for the fact-checkers. It’s everyone’s fight now.
It’s no secret that fake news has been running wild on social media. But now, it’s more than just a few misleading posts—it’s a full-blown crisis, and according to Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, it’s threatening the very core of our democracy.
During a recent House Tri-Committee hearing on digital disinformation, Pimentel didn’t mince words. “This is a crisis,” he said. “And we need to look at all sides of it—how social media platforms are involved, how algorithms push false content, and even how our own psychology makes us more vulnerable to fake news.”
It’s a timely warning. The digital world is changing fast, and so is the way we access information. While it’s easier than ever to get news with just a few taps, that same convenience has also opened the floodgates for harmful narratives, twisted truths, and social division.
Pimentel pointed out that fake news doesn’t just hurt people—it chips away at institutions and the trust we place in them. And with the 2025 midterm elections just around the corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“Fake news is being used as a weapon, especially against candidates. But it doesn’t just affect those being attacked—it impacts our entire nation,” he said in Filipino.
His call to action? Be vigilant. Be critical. And don’t just scroll past false information—call it out. “We can’t afford to ignore this anymore,” he stressed. “We all have a role in fighting back.”
The committee also brought in experts and advocates who’ve been battling disinformation on the front lines. Their goal? Not just to talk about the problem, but to find real, workable solutions—whether that’s through better education, new policies, or smarter tech.
“This isn’t just about protecting facts,” Pimentel said. “It’s about protecting the future—for ourselves, and for the next generation.”
Bottom line? The war on fake news isn’t just for the fact-checkers. It’s everyone’s fight now.
Apr 8, 2025
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