Celebrities come together for #StopFakeNews campaign
Filipino singers and actors oppose the proliferation of fake news especially in this time of pandemic when spreading only verified information relating to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is of paramount importance.
Gary Valenciano, Alyssa Quijano, Anna Fegi, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, Donita Rose, Guji Lorenzana, Jay Gonzaga, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Jona, Leo Martinez, Lesley Martinez, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto are but some of the celebrities that speak about it on a video uploaded on YouTube. “More and more people are deceived and victimized by fake news, adding to the climate of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety in these already unnerving times,” said motivational speaker and author Chinkee Tan in a press statement. “Instead of spreading unverified reports that mislead and add to public confusion, share only validated and confirmed news.”
The Philippines is said to be 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.
The celebrities that speak as one in the video advise people to do the following:
1. Verify the source of information received or read. If it has the logo of an organization, go to their website and double check.
2. Ask. If it has to do with health or medical matters, does it come from a legitimate organization or medical expert?
3. Fact check. Is the information being carried by legitimate news organizations?
4. If not verified by credible sources, do not forward the message.
The celebrities hope that through this campaign, they can persuade Filipino netizens to be more careful, discerning, and responsible netizens.