Disinformation, Fake News etc.
What is Disinformation? According to UNESCO, disinformation
is:
Information that is false
Deliberately created Intended to harm a person, group,
organization, or country
It is a deliberate and intentional lie
Spread by actors who know it is false
Reynold Cerbo
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Three Types of False Information
1. Disinformation
Shared intentionally to cause harm;
Example: A political candidate posts fake statistics to damage an
opponent.
2. Misinformation
Shared without knowing it is false;
Example: A person shares outdated or incorrect news, believing it
is true.
Reynold Cerbo
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Three Types of False Information
3. Mal-information
Based on real facts, Used to harm by removing context;
Example: Posting a disaster photo without context to
create hatred or panic.
Reynold Cerbo
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Fake News
Refers to false or fabricated news stories
Created without supporting fact-checking, sources or
evidence.
To present in a misleading way
Reynold Cerbo
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
The Post-Truth Era
We live in the post-Truth Era
Emotions and personal beliefs influence public opinion
more than facts.
Social media accelerates the spread of false information.
Information spreads with just a few clicks.
Reynold Cerbo
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
The Philippines and the Post-Truth Problem
The Philippines has long faced issues with propaganda
and misleading narratives
Social media increased the speed and reach of false
information
Ethical challenge of culture that does not practice
verification and often emotional sharing
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Explosion of Misinformation
Crisis created fear and uncertainty
People searched for quick answers and cures
False information spread faster than scientific
updates
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Examples of COVID-19 Misinformation
Claims that COVID-19 originated from bats presented as
absolute fact
Boiled ginger falsely promoted as a cure despite lack of
scientific proof
Fake advisory claiming cigarettes could transmit COVID-
19
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Role of Institutions in Correcting False Information
The Department of Health (DOH) publicly denied
fake advisories
Official corrections often spread slower than false
claims
Ethical dilemma: trust vs misinformation overload
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Misinformation Beyond Health: Political Propaganda
False narratives used to influence opinions and
elections
Emotional language replaces evidence
Disinformation weakens democracy and informed
choice
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Ethical Responsibility in the Post-Truth Era
Information users are no longer passive
Everyone who shares information affects others
Ethical duty: think before believing and sharing
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
People as Fact Checkers
Fact checking: verifying information before
accepting it as true
Prevents belief manipulation
Protects public discourse and decision-making
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Ethical Responsibility in the Post-Truth Era
Information users are no longer passive
Everyone who shares information affects others
Ethical duty: think before believing and sharing
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Practical Guidelines in Spotting Fake News
(Based on recommendations from Benedictine
University)
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Practical Guidelines in Spotting Fake News
1. Check Credentials
If you don’t know who said it, don’t trust it.
2. Read the “About Us” Section
Real organizations don’t hide their identity.
3. Look for Bias
Strong emotions often replace solid facts.
4. Check the Dates
True information can become misleading when outdated.
Joven Atuel
Disinformation, Fake News etc.
Practical Guidelines in Spotting Fake News
1. Check Out the Source
Truth is consistent across credible sources.
2. Interrogate the URLs
A tiny typo can signal a fake site.
3. Suspect the Sensational
If it feels exaggerated, pause and verify.
4. Judge Hard
Critical thinking is the strongest defense
Joven Atuel
In the Information Age, sharing information is power—
THANK YOU!