Celebrities launch #Stopfakenews campaign
AMID the proliferation of fake news on social media, local celebrities launched an online campaign calling on the public to be responsible in sharing information.
With people staying home and consuming more Internet time, social-media posts on Covid-19 ranging from funny to ridiculous are being shared. Many of them turn out to be fake such as eating bananas to protect oneself from the virus.
“More and more people are consuming fakes news that add to fear and anxiety in this already anxious times,” said motivational speaker and author Chinkee Tan. It was because of this that he and other celebrities thought of coming up with a campaign to push for true information.
“Instead of spreading fake news that won’t help us, why not share only good and real news?” Tan said.
The Philippines is touted as the social-media capital of the world with over 70-million Facebook users in the Philippines with average of nine hours daily consumption, according to global social-media expert Hootsuite.
Dubbed as #Stopfakenews, the online campaign produced two videos edited by Paolo Valenciano in English and Filipino for its launch. The featured personalities are: Alyssa Quijano, Anna Fegi, Carla Guevarra-laforteza, Donita Rose, Gary Valenciano, Guji Lorenzana, Jay Gonzaga, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Joey Ayala, Jona, Leo Martinez, Lesley Martinez, Miriam Quiambao-roberto, Ogie Alcasid, Princess Punzalan, Regine Velazquez-alcasid, Tim Pavino, Via Antonio and many other personalities.
Here are the simple but straightforward ways of helping stop the spread of fake news:
1. Verify the source of information received or read. If it has the logo of an organization, go to their web site and check.
2. Ask. Does it come from a legitimate organization or a medical expert?
3. Fact-check. Is the information being carried by legitimate news organizations?
4. If not verified, do not forward the message. The celebrities are hoping that through their videos, they can persuade Filipinos to be responsible netizens. #Stopfakenews campaign was launched Monday evening.