SUMMATIVE TEST: POSITION PAPER

How fake news affects the sense of nationalism among Filipinos?

Everyone's life depends on the news, but it's especially crucial now that since we are in a
pandemic. News can be used to raise awareness of a variety of information, but some of which are
misleading people about what is real or untrue. Today, everyone relies on the news to be informed
about current events and to obtain an update on a particular issue. However, despite the fact that
the news must always be credible, there are times when it is revised, which is referred to as fake
news.
The internet became a first source where people get news from, but this is also where fake
news is very prevalent. Fake news became a phenomenon which affects the whole world, that
includes our country, the Philippines where it is a current issue. People are more inclined to absorb
misleading notions and have a difficult time identifying between real and misleading information.
However, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, where misleading news about the virus has
spread, fake news can currently be a significant issue. Misinformation has been a major source of
conflict during this crisis. Many people suffered as a result of this misinformation. Fake news is
produced without sources or verified proof. Fake news has spread widely on social media.
People in present times, especially those who lack the resources to conduct their own
research, tend to believe a lot of pages, reporters, and other sources, especially those found on
social media. It is extremely concerning since many people are easily swayed, leading them to
believe in what they observe or hear from others even when it is not supported by evidence or
facts. As a result, they were diverted from the truth and lost awareness of what was actually going
on in their surroundings.
Fake news has become a concern in the Philippines, where social media has made a
significant impact on political influence. Fake news has a significant adverse effect on Filipinos'
sense of nationalism. As we all know, Dr. Jose Rizal is considered to be the father of nationalism.
The philosophy and movement of nationalism advance Philippine interests, particularly in the
pursuit of establishing and preserving the country's sovereignty over its territory. People have
become more egocentric as a result of the spread of incorrect information, and their thoughts and
behaviors are driven by their own personal priorities. Dr. Jose Rizal said that actions and thoughts
should never be prioritized for the sake of the individual but rather for the sake of society as a
whole. One should take it seriously to have a national consciousness in order to transform
the society in to develop and contribute to the purpose of nation-building.
Fake news has a negative and significant impact on Filipinos' sense of nationality. It can
also have a big impact because our decisions are based on essential information and our experience
shapes how we perceive the world. By acquiring knowledge, we might form a perception about a
group of people or a circumstance. We won't be able to make wise decisions if the facts we perceive
are inaccurate, misrepresented, exaggerated, or tainted by such knowledge. Fake news damages
Filipinos' sense of solidarity and unity. For many people, fake news now means different things.
There are various beliefs among them that do not unite Filipinos.
 A lot of social media platforms such as facebook, twitter, and youtube are being used in
spreading news wherein different people can share. This allows different people all around the
world to see and even share it even if there is no concrete evidence that it is reliable. There are
times when they spread news and articles without giving them a second thought and without
realizing that they are disseminating false information, particularly when it involves public
problem. As a result, there are misunderstandings, disorders, and confusion between those who
have incorrect beliefs and others who have the expertise of particular subjects. In view of this,
people are becoming more divided and fighting among themselves instead of cooperating on
initiatives that would better our country, which is causing a decline in the sense of nationalism
among them.
Given the problems stated, I personally think that we are responsible for this issue.
Therefore, it is our duty or responsibility to exercise extreme caution when it comes to the
information we see and hear, especially on social media, in order to eradicate or stop the
proliferation of fake news. We need to be more careful with the information we transmit, and
before doing so, let's educate ourselves on the topics we don't understand well. There are free
articles and different platforms where reliable information can be obtained where there is
absolutely no cost if you are unsure. Before sharing the news online or to other person, we can do
some research on the subject if we are not sure about it.
In view of all of this, it is important to always keep in mind that opinions are not facts, and
neither are claims that have not been supported by evidence. As a result, we must exercise extreme
caution when posting information on social media or disseminating it in our local community.
Before acting, we must ponder a hundred times, especially if we are unsure of the news we are
receiving. It's because news can be helpful if it's true, but it can also be damaging if it's fake. The
impact of fake news on Filipinos' sense of identity is so significant that each person's beliefs are
unique from one another. There are several beliefs among Filipinos that do not unite them.
Additionally, nationalism seeks to create and maintain a shared sense of political, cultural, and
religious identity among its citizens. It is impossible to accomplish this in a world where fake news
is prevalent. Fake news affects the solidarity and unity of the Filipino people. Filipinos can be
distinguished from one another by false awareness. Disinformation is frequently a false political
narrative that incites hatred against a particular group or person as well as an organization.