Misinformation and the Fake News Epidemic in the Philippines

A series delving into the pressing issue of misinformation and its widespread implications across the Filipino society.

1. Introduction to Misinformation

• Defining fake news and misinformation.
• Discussing its prevalence in the digital era, particularly in the Philippines.

2. Historical Context: From Print to Digital

• Tracing the origins of yellow journalism.
• The transition of news from print to digital and its impact on information dissemination.

3. Driving Factors Behind the Spread of Fake News

• The role of social media algorithms in promoting false content.
• The influence of echo chambers and confirmation bias in Filipino online communities.

4. Consequences on the Political Landscape

• Analysis of the 2016 Philippine elections and misinformation campaigns.
• Examination of politically-driven troll farms and their tactics.

5. Public Health and Misinformation

• Addressing the spread of health-related fake news during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Outlining the tangible effects of misinformation on public health measures.

6. Socio-Cultural Impacts

• Exploring generational differences in the perception of misinformation.
• The erosion of trust in established news media.

7. Case Study: The Dengvaxia Controversy

• Investigating the misinformation debacle around the Dengvaxia vaccine and its societal aftermath.

8. Combatting Misinformation: Fact-Checking Initiatives

• Highlighting the work of Filipino fact-checking entities.
• Collaborations to mitigate misinformation online.

9. Educating the Public: Digital Literacy Programs

• Showcasing efforts to bolster the public's ability to discern reliable information online.

10. Q&A Session

• Expert panel discussion featuring digital media specialists and audience interaction.

11. Personal Stories

• Personal anecdotes highlighting the real impact of misinformation in the Philippines.

12. Conclusion & Navigating the Digital Landscape Responsibly

• Summarizing the collective duty to foster a fact-based digital environment.
• Providing resources for informed digital engagement.

The series aims to enlighten viewers on the reality of misinformation and equip them with tools to combat the fake news epidemic responsibly.