As artificial intelligence, algorithms, and coordinated influence campaigns reshape the digital landscape, recognizing fake news is no longer enough. PLDT and Smart Communications are calling for stronger critical thinking and media literacy to help Filipinos navigate increasingly sophisticated forms of disinformation.

Unlike conventional fake news, misleading narratives can rely on real facts presented without context, exploit emotions and personal biases, or use technology to amplify false impressions on a massive scale. Addressing these challenges requires people to look beyond headlines and question the sources, evidence, and intentions behind the information they encounter.

These issues took center stage at the latest PEG-Usapan Natin Session, an award-winning learning platform of PLDT and Smart for employees and stakeholders. Journalists, researchers, and public sector experts gathered to discuss how Filipinos can become more discerning consumers of information in an increasingly complex digital environment.

Asking Better Questions About What We Read

Opening the forum, Gian Lao, Deputy Head of the Public Engagement Group, highlighted how algorithms and personalization technologies influence the information people encounter online.

Lao emphasized the importance of sustaining conversations about digital literacy and responsible information consumption, noting that regular discussions can help people develop the awareness needed to protect themselves and their communities.

Camille Diola, Chief Editor of Philstar.com and Interaksyon, explained that verifying information today involves more than determining whether a claim is true or false.

“The better questions are: Where did this come from? What evidence supports it? What is missing? Is the context intact? And how certain can we actually be?” Diola said. “Those are the same questions journalists ask every day.”

She also pointed to the growing presence of AI-generated content, information taken out of context, and coordinated amplification campaigns as reasons verification has become increasingly important.

Understanding How Disinformation Influences People

JM Lanuza, assistant professor of political science at UP Manila and head of research at the Sigla Research Center, stressed that disinformation often succeeds because it exploits human behavior and emotions.

“Everyone is vulnerable,” Lanuza said, explaining that influence operations can tap into people’s fears, aspirations, frustrations, and personal biases. He added that building resilience involves not only correcting misleading information after it spreads but also helping people recognize manipulation before it happens.

Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard for the West Philippine Sea, underscored the importance of transparency in countering misleading narratives, particularly on issues involving national interests.

“When we talk about the West Philippine Sea, it concerns every one of us because the information space is also being used to counter our own position,” Tarriela said. “Our greatest challenge is disinformation, because it confuses people, erodes trust, and divides communities.”

He emphasized that transparency gives people the opportunity to examine facts and form informed judgments for themselves.

Building A More Resilient Digital Community

The discussion highlighted how critical thinking, media literacy, and responsible online engagement have become essential skills amid the rapid development of digital technologies. Speakers emphasized that addressing disinformation requires a collective effort involving individuals, institutions, educators, media organizations, and technology platforms.

Through initiatives such as the PEG-Usapan Natin Sessions, PLDT and Smart continue to encourage conversations that promote more responsible information consumption and participation in the digital space.

Smart is also reminding customers to report text scams and other SMShing messages through its HuliScam portal. Customers can also report cyber threats through Smart Communications’ verified Facebook page, @SmartCares on X, or by calling *888.

As misleading narratives become more sophisticated, the ability to question information, verify evidence, and understand context remains an important defense against disinformation.