BY NOW, we should have been aware that parallel to the advancement of communication technology, and the continuing dominance of the internet through social media, is the downside of dealing with disinformation or “fake news” everyday.
We supposed to know already what are the stories told based on facts, from those twisted data, and even outright lies.
But despite this, some people still fall prey or being victimized by disinformation, even though numerous media organizations, learning institutions, and cause-oriented groups have already launched campaigns to counter fake news and educate the public.
Maybe, these campaign drives may still not be enough especially in reaching to the bottom of the social strata.
The recent plebiscite for the ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the province of Lanao del Norte is perhaps a prime example of how disinformation generates chaos, and even become lethal. It not only provided a new chapter of Mindanao history of peace and conflict, but it is also a good case study on how battling fake news and improving media literacy rates should be given importance.
Even prior to February 6 plebiscite, rumors and conspiracy theories are rife in social media and text messages among residents of Lanao del Norte. These messages were insinuating of a darker consequences if either “Yes” and “No” votes would win. It didn't help, and probably it aggravated instead, when some people used this in their propaganda to entice votes.
The paranoia doubled a day before plebiscite, video, and image contents were given meanings and interpretations that are often not exactly the original intent or context of the actual sources.
Even after the plebiscite, disinformation on social media and text messages continued with figures of total votes counted, even if the official tally from the Commission on Elections has not yet started; worse, fear mongering persisted, by forwarding scary messages of an alleged deployment of armed militia, and looming attacks in the province's major towns.
To be fair, you can't blame it entirely to the people of Lanao del Norte of being too cautious, if not totally gullible to fake news in relation to BOL events. The province has had a history of armed conflicts, where people are seen fleeing from their homes, and they don’t want that to happen ever again.
Unfortunately, disinformation has claimed lives, and this may be the first case in the country.
Because of paranoia brought about the belief of possible attacks, some residents fled outside the province. Some no longer joined the plebiscite, while others went to vote early in the morning and immediately left Lanao del Norte to nearby cities like Ozamiz.
But to this family of four, instead heading for “safety,” they have met an accident.
In report filed by freelance journalist Divina Suson, the victims were identified as Jenalyn Bermejo, 27, with her two children Chrisel Mae, 8 and Dave, 4, and her mother, Benida Bermejo, 60, all were residents in Tubod, Lanao del Norte
They were riding a modified motorcycle with a sidecar, when they got an accident in Barangay San Antonio, Tubod.
Based on the report, Romeo Obedencio, Jenalyn’s husband, said his family was supposed to be on their way to the latter's brother in Aloran, Misamis Occidental to temporarily stay there because of fear of what she read in social media.
It added that the paranoia stemmed from unverified text messages and posts in social media, which have been circulating that alleges their place “will be attacked” after the “Yes” to inclusion of the six municipalities to the Bangsamoro region will be lost in the plebiscite.
The unfortunate incident should give everyone a realization that disinformation and fake news can kill. We should not just pass it off as mere nuisance. It can destroy lives, especially if disinformation is used as a weapon.
Again, this is also a wakeup call for organizations that are in the advocacy to fight fake news and educate people about avoiding disinformation that sitting in front of the computer and smartphones are not enough and creating Facebook pages and infographics are still not adequate.
Everyone has to reach the grassroots, to be present in communities not just in forums in schools, in order to reach the people and tell them not to be victimized by an ever-evolving and contagious “communication disease.”
And never forget, whenever seeing information or “news” online, always “Research. Verify. Cross-check (ReVerCross).”
(Nefluczon@gmail.com)