ACADEMIC WRITING

FAKE NEWS IN SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE POLITICAL

ATTITUDES OF SELECTED SECOND YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS

A Research Proposal
Presented to the
Faculty of School of Teacher Education
College of Sciences, Technology and Communications, Inc.
Sariaya, Quezon

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the course
GEC ELC 3 - Academic Writing

Charles D. Data
Pricelyn R. Fano

May 2023

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the following

people who, in one way or another, contributed much in making this research study

possible.

To Ms. Jane Carandang, their research adviser, for allocating her time, efforts,

and expertise in assisting the researchers by giving insightful suggestions, comments, and

recommendations. It educated and motivated them to make this study a reality.

To Mr. John Marc R. Mendoza, the CSTC Dean of School of Teacher Education

and one of the oral examination committee members, for allowing the researchers to

conduct the study among the selected second year education students. And for guiding and

motivating the researchers to finish their research.

To Ms. Josephine O. Ocampo, their research instructor, for giving her time to

answer the researchers' queries.

To the Committee on Oral Examination, namely: Dr. Juanito A. Merle, Dr.

Walter F. Galarosa, and Mr. John Marc R. Mendoza, for their time and effort in

scanning the whole manuscript and giving valuable comments, recommendations, and

suggestions to improve the contents of the study specifically for recommending the

researchers to limit the sample size that makes the research study more achievable and

time-bounded.

To the validators, Mr. Jomar Linsasagin and Ms. Sarah C. Gutierrez, Master of

Education degree holders teaching in Lutucan Integrated National High School, Dr. Ma.

Aileen A. Averilla, Master Teacher I, OIC, Asst. Principal for Learners Support in Luis

Palad Integrated High School and Mr. Sammy F. Baysa, Teacher III in Quezon National

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High School, for sharing their expertise, efforts, and precious time in validating the survey

questionnaires used in this study

To the Participants, the second-year education students from English and Social

Studies major, for their cooperation and willingness to answer the survey questionnaire.

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DEDICATION

Several people motivated and inspired us throughout this process. First and foremost, we

want to dedicate this research to our Almighty God, for always guiding and giving

us strength, knowledge, and wisdom. Next, to our parents and families,

who supported us both morally and financially, that pushed

and motivated us to finish our research study.

Lastly, our friends and classmates,

who was always there to support

and inspire us in the

entirety of the

research

process.

-CDD-

-PRF-

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………….……….. i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………….…. iii
DEDICATION………………………………………………………………….… v
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………….... vi

CHAPTER

I THE PROBLEM

Introduction…………………………………………………….…………. 1
Statement of the Problem……………………………………….………… 4
Significance of the Study……………………………………….……….... 10
Scope and Limitation…………………………………………….…….…. 11
Definition of Terms……………………………………………….………. 12

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature…………………………………………………….…… 15
Related Studies………………………………………………………….… 39

III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design……………………….…………………………….…… 44
Research Locale………………….………………………………….……. 45
Research Population……………….……………………………….…….. 46
Research Instrument…………………………………….……………...… 47
Data Gathering Procedure………………………………………………… 48
Statistical Treatment of Data……………………………………….…...... 49

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CHAPTER I

The Problem and its Background

Introduction

In the 21st century, information is easily accessible in an instant with the internet

and different gadgets, as cited in the Aging in Place website (2022). According to Hobbs

(2021), Information and Media literacy involves evaluating the quality of information

sources and asking critical questions about what people see, watch, listen to, and read. It

aids in the analysis of information from a variety of perspectives. With so many sources

of information available today, critical thinking skills can assist people in identifying

trustworthy sources and filtering through the noise to find the truth (McNulty, 2021).

Moreover, the use of social media is rampant in many aspects, including politics, which

is significantly affected. It can positively or negatively affect an individual's behavior in

voting. Many young internet users resort to using social media to get political information

to make political decisions (Alam & Yousuf, 2021). According to Kepios (2022), there

are more than four point sixty-two (4.62) billion social media users around the world in

January 2022, equating to fifty-eight point four (58.4%) percent of the total world

population. Consumers spend an average of two (2) hours and twenty-seven (27) minutes

per day using social media. In addition, according to Kemp (2022), in January 2022, there

were ninety-two point zero five (92.05) million individuals who use social media in the

Philippines. As of 2022, the numbers of users of social media were equivalent to eighty-

two-point four (82.4) percent of the total population, and users spend four (4) hours and

fifteen (15) minutes per day using social media.

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On the other hand, youths are more likely to be motivated to participate in politics

online rather than in real life. In fact, according to a survey done by Pew Research

Centers, young people tend to vote less often. People aged fifty (50) and above are more

likely to say they have voted in an election at least once than those aged eighteen (18) to

twenty-nine (29) out of ten countries polled. Still, these young people are more likely to

participate in politics online (Wike & Castillo, 2018). In comparison, social media usage

in political participation and engagement for the youth is also evident in the Philippines.

According to a recent FEU Public Policy Center survey, Filipinos who are in the range of

age of (17) to twenty-four (24), dubbed Generation Z, usually get their news from the

internet and social media. (Malasig, 2019).

Furthermore, Fisher (2019) stated that the problem with fake news is getting

worse; it has become a serious risk to society, tech companies, and politics. In fact,

according to a report by Bradshaw and Howard (2019), there is proof of coordinated

social media manipulation campaigns in seventy (70) countries, an increase from forty-

eight (48) countries in 2018 and twenty-eight (28) countries in 2017. The report

demonstrates the extent to which the issue of false information and propaganda on the

internet has spread. According to Professor Rachel Khan, as cited by Quilinguing (2019),

everyone should be concerned about the impact of disinformation on democracy,

particularly in the Philippines. In line with this, a study done by Sinan Aral et al., as cited

by Dizikes (2018), discovered that disinformation spreads substantially farther, quicker,

more profound, and broader than truth in all types of information and by a magnitude in

many cases. Notably, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an advocacy group for press

freedom, named Vietnam and the Philippines among the top four worst offenders for

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spreading state-sponsored disinformation online. According to RSF, the online

disinformation campaign in the Philippines is less formalized but still prevalent (Deprez

and Haffner, 2020).

Nonetheless, as has been extensively discussed, there are severe concerns about

fake news, even though the precise consequences are unknown. According to the study

by Thijssen (2017), there has been little research on the effects of fake news on political

attitudes. Notably, Alcott and Gentzkow (2017) claimed a high correlation between

believing and experiencing fake news as accurate, emphasizing that fake news is a severe

risk to political attitudes. Tucker et al. (2018) affirm that the literature on fake news is

rapidly expanding, but there is still a substantive research gap regarding its effects.

With this background, the researchers decided to conduct this study to determine the

effects of fake news on social media on the political attitudes of selected second year

college students at College of Sciences, Technology and Communications Inc. Moreover,

this study also aimed to determine if there is a significant difference in the effects of fake

news on social media on the students' political attitudes when grouped according to their

demographic profile. As such, most used social media platforms and time exposure on

the use of social media. The researchers also sought to develop a suggested informational

campaign material in the form of a pamphlet based on the findings or results of the study.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effects of fake news on social media on the political

attitudes of the selected second year college students.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

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1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 most used social media platform;

1.2 time exposure on the use of social media; and

1.3 purpose of using social media?

2. What are the effects of fake news in social media on the political attitudes of

the respondents in terms of:

2.1 political efficacy;

2.2 political alienation; and

2.3 political cynicism?

3. Is there a significant difference in the effects of fake news in social media on

the political attitudes of the students when they are grouped according to:

3.1 most used social media; and

3.2 time exposure on the use of social media?

4. Based on the findings of the study, what informational campaign material can

the researchers recommend?

Significance of the Study

This research aims to know the effects of fake news in social media on the

political attitudes of the selected second year college students. Also, it seeks to answer if

there is a significant difference in the effect of fake news on social media on the students'

political attitudes when grouped according to their demographic profile, such as the most

used social media platform. Time exposure to social media may benefit the following

group of people.

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To the students, they will have a higher awareness of the effects of fake news on

social media on their political attitudes. Hence, they will be more careful in accessing the

information on different social media platforms.

To social studies teachers, they are responsible for teaching social issues and

developing the civic competence of students. They can integrate the researcher’s

suggested material into their subject to inform and raise the students' awareness about the

effects of fake news on social media on their political attitudes.

In addition, the research will be beneficial to the school administration; they can

use the result and findings of this study as a basis for creating different programs and

projects that will help counter the spread of fake news on social media among the

students.

Lastly, the research is also beneficial to future researchers. It can help them to

enhance their research skills. They will gain additional information and new insights, and

they can be more responsive and updated on the effects of fake news on social media on

political attitudes. Also, this research will serve as their reference in formulating their

study.

Scope and Limitation

This study seeks to determine the effects of fake news on social media on the

respondents' political attitudes regarding Political Efficacy, Political Alienation, and

Political Cynicism. Specifically, it seeks to find the significant difference in the effects of

fake news on social media on the students' political attitudes when grouped according to

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(a) most used social media platform and (b) time exposure on the use of social media was

also determined.

The research study will employ a quantitative approach. In particular, the study

will use a descriptive survey to find out the demographic profile of the respondents and

how fake news affected their political views. A descriptive comparative will be also used

to see if there was a significant difference in how fake news on social media affected the

students' political views when they were put into groups based on their demographic

profile.

The study will be conducted at the College of Sciences, Technology and

Communication, Inc. in Sariaya, Quezon, where eighty-four (84) selected students to

serve as the study's respondents. The researchers use a survey checklist questionnaire

through Google Form in this study. The questionnaire is split into two parts. The first part

is to find out about the respondents' demographics regarding their most used social media

platform, how much time they spent on social media, and why they used it. The second

part is to find out how fake news on social media affected the respondents' political

attitudes. Also, each variable in the second part comprises ten (10) items with fifty-three

(53) statements.

The researchers will use the following statistical treatments frequency and

percentage distribution (F&D), weighted arithmetic mean (WAM), and analysis of

variance (ANOVA) for the analysis of data. One of the weaknesses in this study is the

data gathering procedure in which it utilizes survey questionnaires because the process is

online. Using survey questionnaires depends on the availability of the selected students.

Another weakness is reaching out to the respondents due to the strict health protocol.

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Because of these reasons, the expected sample of 89 respondents is limited to only 84

students. Also, the researchers have seen a limitation in suggesting output based on the

study. The researchers’ first suggested output is the Website informational Campaign.

Due to time constraints, the researchers will change it into information campaign material

in the form of a Pamphlet, as suggested by the panelist.

Moreover, another limitation of this study is the questionnaire used to find the

effects of fake news in social media on the respondents' political attitudes was

constructed in the form of multiple-choice and acquired multiple responses. The

researchers did not include it in solving for the significant difference. The improved

sources of data and information were limited due to other factors such as time and

financial constraints.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally and conceptually for the easy

understanding of the readers:

Fake News. In this study, it is defined as false information in social media that

affects the students' political attitudes. According to the University of Michigan Library

(2021), it pertains to news items that are untrue and fabricated, with no provable facts,

source materials, or citations.

Political Attitudes. This study defines it as the attitudes of people affected by fake

news on social media. According to the Civil Service India website (n.d.), a political

attitude refers to the beliefs and values which underpin the operation of a particular political

system.

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Social Media. This study defines it as a system with different platforms for

disseminating fake news information that will affect the respondents' political attitudes.

Nations (2021), social media is defined as an internet communication platform that enables

users to interact with one another by communicating and consuming information

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter primarily contains a review of related literature and studies. Those

included in this chapter aided in familiarizing the reader with information pertinent to this

study. The data was gleaned from news articles, e-journals, and web-based resources.

Related Literature

A thorough review of related literature was made to develop an in-depth study of

salient features. The researchers went through several readings to gain the helpful

knowledge needed to bring the study into a broader sense.

Social Media

Social media has the potential to be a two-edged sword; it can bear positive and

negative effects at the same time. On the one hand, social media successfully empowers

and connects people by connecting relationships, democratizing access to critical data,

elevating popular discourses, and facilitating decision-making. On the other hand, it

serves as a platform for divisive and destructive advertisements that foster and amplify

conflict, brokenness, misunderstanding, moral decay, and criminality (Ateneo De Davao

University, 2021)

This literature posits that social media can positively and negatively affect its

users. According to this, social media empowers the use for connecting people and

facilitating online discourse. Still, divisive content like fake news amplifies conflict and

causes misunderstandings between the people on the internet.

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Furthermore, According to Cuerpo (2022), social media platforms like Facebook,

Youtube, Twitter, and TikTok, play a significant role in publicizing information and the

online discourse of opinions among Filipinos. It is true, especially with the recent trend in

the 2022 Philippine presidential race getting crowded. Cuerpo added that due to the

COVID-19 pandemic, electoral candidates for the upcoming May 2022 elections have

shifted to online campaigns. As a result, Quitzon (2021) asserted that candidates would

depend on social media to reach out to voters more so than in past elections. But

according to Lacsamana (2021), using social media as a method of campaigning will not

replace the traditional method. Still, Quitzon contends that the presidential campaign's

ability to use social media effectively and monopolize virtual spaces would be crucial in

defining popular sentiment. Because social media is so widely available, it has become a

powerful force in Philippine society.

Social media is a crucial democratic space, but according to Professor Marie

Fatima Gaw, it has become hyper-partisan with disguised political content everywhere

and sparse blocking of false information (Morales & Lema, 2022).

This literature supports the present study as these pose that social media plays a

salient part in spreading and communicating information and online discussion among

Filipinos. However, Filipinos' wide use and easy access to different social media

platforms also became a tool to spread fake news, primarily about politics. While there is

a massive problem with fake news, various politicians still flock to these different social

media platforms as these become an effective tool for their campaigns to reach out to a

broader space.

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Fake News

Tordesillas, as cited by Bueno (2017), describes fake news as an oxymoron of

lies and lies that are disguised as truth. The terms misinformation and disinformation

ecosystem may be more accurate than fake news, particularly in the context of the

Philippines. In line with this, Quilinguing (2019) categorized fake news into two types:

misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation is false information/news that is

unintentionally shared online. At the same time, misinformation, on the other hand, is

spread to convince people to favor a group or individual political perspective.

Moreover, Vera Files defines fake news as disguised as real news that is spread

on different platforms, including social media (Manglinong, 2018). Its goal is to deceive

online users to advance political, ideological, social, or economic interests. Likewise, as

cited by Hapal (2017), Berger claims that fake news threatens real news, which is

reported in a narrative structure with authentication, context, and integrity.

This literature supports the study because it claims that fake news in social media

is disguised as real news and is widely used and spread to deceive people’s political

interests; thus, it can affect their political attitudes.

In addition, according to a 2022 survey of Social Weather Station, seven (7) out

of ten (10) or seventy (70) Filipinos believe that the spread of fake news on social media

is alarming. Likewise, sixty-seven (67) percent of the respondents also agreed that there

is a severe problem of fake news on social media like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

(Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2022).

This literature supports the study as it shows a rampant spread of fake news on

social media like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Many Filipinos who use these social

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media platforms agree that fake news is a severe problem. According to Marlina (2022),

fake news spreads like wildfire on social media because it plays on peoples’ biases and

exploits their trust in their friends and family.

Most used Social Media Platform

According to recent statistics from Datareportal, as of January 2022, eighty-two-

point four (82.4) percent or ninety-two-point zero five (92.05) million Filipinos are using

social media. Furthermore, according to the same statistics, the most used social media in

the Philippines are Facebook with eighty-three point eighty-five (83.85) million users,

YouTube with fifty-six point fifty (56.50) million users, Facebook Messenger with fifty-

five point fifteen (55.15) million users, Tik Tok with thirty-five point ninety-six (35.96)

million users, and Instagram with eighteen points sixty-five (18.65) million users (Kemp,

2022).

This literature supports the study, which posits that many Filipinos use social

media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Messenger, Tik Tok, and Instagram. It shows

that most Filipinos are engaged in different social media platforms, which means they are

vulnerable to fake news as social media is one of the mediums that fake news uses to

increase rapidly. A 2018 Pulse Asia survey found that nine (9) out of ten (10) Filipinos

who use social media are aware of fake news and that seventy-nine (79) percent of them

think that fake news is widespread on different social media platforms (Philstar, 2018).

In connection, social media can also shape the political attitude of its users.

According to another survey by Pulse Asia (2018), they found out that fifty-one (51)

percent of Filipinos who are using social media accounts on the web changed their views

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and attitude regarding politics and government at least once as a result of something they

had seen, read, or understood on the internet

This literature supports the study as it postulates that social media can shape the

political attitudes of its users, in which fifty-one (51) percent of Filipinos agreed that they

change their attitude regarding politics and government. It shows that social media, a

platform where fake news propagates, can affect a person's political attitude.

Moreover, according to a survey in 2017 led by communications agency Eon,

there is a considerable disparity between the trust shown by Filipinos in social media and

traditional media. In fact, according to the fifth Philippine Trust Index (PTI), eighty-

seven-point three (87.3) percent or nine (9) out of ten (10) Filipinos put more trust in

social media than the traditional media. In comparison, seventy-three-point-four (73.4)

percent or seven (7) out of ten (10) Filipinos trusted traditional media more. It turns out

that most Filipinos trust social media more than they trust traditional media (Ballaran,

2017).

This literature also supports the study because, for most Filipinos, social media

are more trustworthy than traditional media, making them more susceptible to other fake

news. With their trust in social media, most Filipinos tend to consume every piece of

information on different social media platforms without fact-checking it. However,

according to Quitzon (2021), Filipinos find it difficult, if not impossible, to do fact-

checking what they read and see on other Facebook feeds or on WhatsApp, Messenger,

Viber Chats, and other social media platforms. It is because of inconsistent internet

access and the fact that most of the web is effectively behind a paywall.

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Political Efficacy

Political efficacy is the belief that everyone can make a significant difference in

political change (Campbell et al., 1954, p. 187, cited by Jacinto, 2018). Moreover, Jacinto

(2018) stated that individuals who believe they have a high level of political efficacy are

more inclined to participate in politics because they believe they can affect change in the

political system. At the same time, social media platforms help the Filipino youth to keep

themselves updated and act when seeing news that triggers them (Jennings et al., 2009) as

cited by (Besa et al., 2021). Lopez (2021) concludes that Filipinos who trust social media

are likelier to believe fake news and have a more challenging time spotting real news. It

can change their views and attitudes about politics (Besa et al., 2021), especially the

political efficacy of an individual to feel that they can encourage political participation

(Padilla et al., 2020).

This literature supports the study because these different social media platforms

affect the political efficacy of a person in which it engages Filipinos, especially the youth,

to participate in the political discussion online. Pew Research Center's 2018 Mobile

Technology and Its Social Impact Survey found that, out of the eleven (11) countries

surveyed, the Philippines had the most positive social effects from mobile technology. It

had the third-lowest percentage of people who thought mobile devices, the internet, and

social media made people more willing to talk about politics. Only 49% of people in the

Philippines believed that it also made people's political opinions more divided.

Significantly, 57 percent believe that access to social media, the internet, and mobile

devices has made it easier to spread rumors and false information, even though 70

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percent think they know a lot about what's happening in the world (Smith et al., 2019).

Despite this, the web space has become indispensable for participating in and discussing

politics. Through their websites, political parties initially used the Internet as a means of

information dissemination with one-way communication. modern media and technology,

on the other hand, is changed two-way communication patterns (Emruli & Baa, 2011;

Ahmad et al., 2019)

Furthermore, Yusingco (2020) elucidated that digitalization has brought forth a

revolutionized constitutional moment; because of the increased connections among

individuals in cyberspace or virtual space, it has focused on freedom of speech and press.

Because of this, it has also been propounded that social media play a significant part in

the contemporary period as it fosters engagement of people in politics as well as increases

appreciation for democracy itself. In the context of the Philippines being the top social

media user country for the past four years, social media has become remarkable,

especially in democratic consolidation.

This literature supports the study as it argues that the improvement of connectivity

of the people and increased freedom of speech and press freedom as brought by

digitalization has increased the Filipino's value for democracy and engaged them more in

politics, thus affecting their political efficacy.

Related Studies

A thorough review of related studies was made to come up with in-depth research

about the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of most used social media

platforms, time exposure to the use of social media, and purpose of using social media.

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Also, to come up with an in-depth study regarding the effects of fake news in social

media on the respondents' political attitudes in terms of Political Efficacy, Political

Alienation, and Political Cynicism.

Respondents use social media platforms to talk to their families and friends,

research for school, and have fun by looking for idols and funny videos and pictures on

the internet. According to the study by Aveno et al. (2019) entitled “Effects of Political

Fake News On The Attitude And Voting Behavior Of Community Residents In Jaen,

Nueva Ecija,” the respondents are using different social media platforms, especially

Facebook, in their everyday lives. This study and the present study are similar in that the

current research also focuses on the effects of fake news on social media on political

attitudes. They differ in how this study used a descriptive research design employing a

qualitative approach and quota sampling. The interview schedule method was used in

gathering data using questionnaires with ninety-four (94) respondents. In contrast, the

present study utilized a descriptive survey and descriptive-comparative method that

employs a quantitative approach. It also used purposive sampling and an online survey in

data gathering with eighty-four (84) respondents. Thus, this study supports the present

study where it emphasizes the most social media platforms used by the respondents, time

exposure to the use of social media, and the purpose of using social media, which was

needed in the present study. It signifies that the chance of accessing and receiving fake

news from the internet has high percentage since fake news is being spread through the

use of different social media platforms.

Also, Pazon's (2018) study "Socioscientific Perspectives on "Fake News" in the

Era of Social Media among Generation Z Filipinos" shows that fake news is constantly

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spreading across the different social media platforms. It is thought that fake accounts are

being used as digital influencers to give wrong information to social media users. This

study supports the present study about the effects of the presence of fake news on

students. The similarity of the studies is that the current study also used a quantitative

approach to determine the effects of fake news on social media. The studies differed in

how this study used an exploratory and action research design. It also used an open-ended

questionnaire with thirty-eight (38) respondents, while the present used a descriptive

survey and descriptive-comparative methods with eighty-four (84) respondents online.

Likewise, the findings of Ahmed (2020) in his study “Perception of Fake News: A

Survey of Post-Millenials” support the present study. Students accessed different social

media platforms numerous times per day, and as for their time on social media, they

confessed to using it for seven (7) to ten (10) hours per day. In terms of exposure to fake

news, students mentioned seeing some news on social media that turned out to be false

information.

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CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, locale, population, instrument, data

gathering procedures, and statistical treatments used to present and interpret the data.

Research Design

This study will use a descriptive survey and descriptive-comparative method of

research that employs a quantitative approach. This study will utilize a survey form of a

checklist questionnaire as the tool for gathering data. Moreover, this study will use a

descriptive method of research since it aimed to determine the demographic profile of the

respondents in terms of most used social media platforms, time exposure to the use of

social media, and purpose of using social media. It also aims to determine the effects of

fake news in social media on the political attitude of the respondents in terms of political

efficacy, political alienation, and political cynicism.

Furthermore, the study also will employ a descriptive-comparative method of

research since it aims to determine if there is a significant difference in the effects of fake

news on social media on the students' political attitudes when grouped according to their

demographic profile. The researchers also present a proposed educational/informational

material about fake news.

Research Locale

This study will be conducted at the College of Science, Technology, and

Communication, Incorporated (CSTC), formerly Computer Systems Technological

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Incorporated. It is one of the private educational institutions located in Gen. Luna,

Maharlika Highway, Sariaya Quezon.

According to a preliminary survey done by the researchers on selected second

year college students in CSTC, most say they often use different social media platforms.

Most of them also answered that they are continuously exposed to various fake news on

social media. Furthermore, according to the same survey result, some respondents stated

that fake news on social media persuades their attitude toward politics. In contrast, all of

them believe that social media fake news is a social problem. The researchers chose the

College of Science, Technology, and Communication, Incorporated (CSTC) as their

research locale because they think fake news on social media can be a big problem for

CSTCians students, especially now that most of them are using the internet.

Significantly, the researchers wanted to determine the effects of fake news on

social media on the political attitudes of second year college students. Moreover, the

findings of this study are beneficial for CSTC because it serves as the basis for the

creation of suggested materials. This educational/informational material will help the

students be aware of fake news on social media.

Research Population

Eighty-four (84) second year college students served as the respondents of the

study from the courses of Bachelor in Secondary Education major in Social Studies with

forty (40) selected students, and English with forty-four (44) selected students of College

of Science, Technology, and Communication, Inc. The respondents were purposely

selected since, among all the courses, Education students have the highest population and

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have a significant role in disseminating information. According to The Editorial Team

(2020), the teacher's top role is the information resource. Many people will approach the

teacher in search of information. The teacher needs to know how to find what the student

wants, even if they find a source of information. After providing the student with the

information, the teacher will frequently need to give the student instructions on how to

use the information. Also, second year college students are perceived to be more exposed

to social media. According to Malasig (2019), Generation Z Filipinos that are in the age

bracket of seventeen (17) to twenty-four (24) years old get their news generally on the

internet and social media. In addition, the researchers wanted to determine the effects of

fake news on social media on the political attitudes of second year college students.

Purposive sampling will use in this study since, according to Crossman (2020), it

is a non-probability sampling technique where the researchers rely on judgment to select

variables for the sample population. In addition, the whole sampling process will depend

on the researcher's decision and knowledge of the context.

Research Instrument

The researchers used online survey checklist questionnaires through Google form

to gather responses from the respondents who were purposely selected. The

questionnaires are self-made, based on the literature that the researchers gathered. The

said questionnaires were first presented to their research adviser for comments,

suggestions, and recommendations. From then, researchers made adjustments based on

their research adviser proposition.

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Afterward, the researchers asked for help from the four (4) Social Studies experts

known to be trustworthy validators. Luis Palad Integrated High School has one (1)

teacher with a Ph.D., Lutucan Integrated National High School has two (2) teachers with

an MAEd, and Quezon National High School has one (1) teacher with an MAEd. After

that, the researchers applied all the trusted comments, suggestions, and recommendations

of the respected validators.

The said online survey checklist questionnaires are intended to guide the

researchers on gathering primary data and essential information used to determine the

effects of fake news in social media on the political attitudes of second-year college

students. The online survey checklist questionnaire is divided into two parts. Part I was a

demographic profile of the respondents, with seven questions about their most used social

media platform, six questions about how much time they spent on social media, and ten

questions about why they used social media. Part II was a series of questions about how

fake news on social media affected the respondents' political attitudes in terms of

Political Efficacy and Political Alienation. Political Cynicism and each variable will

compose ten (10) items with fifty-three (53) statements. Also, the researchers used a four-

point Likert scale. The Internet also served as the secondary source of significant and

relevant information.

Data Gathering Procedure

Participants were purposely selected to study the effects of fake news in social

media on the political attitudes of second-year college students. The researchers utilized a

self-made questionnaire. After constructing the research instrument, researchers asked

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their research adviser, one (1) Ph.D. degree teacher, and three (3) MAEd degree teachers

in Social Studies to validate statements in the survey questionnaire.

In connection with the protocol, the researchers first secured a permit from the

Program Head of the School of Teachers Education Department through a letter

informing the researchers' intention and the study's objectives. With the permission of the

department head, the prepared and validated questionnaires were given to the students via

Google Forms.

The researchers then asked permission from the students who served as the study

participants and explained the questionnaires so that the respondents knew the purpose of

the study before answering the questionnaire. After answering the online survey

questionnaire, the researchers collected the data for interpretation.

Finally, the results are computed, tabulated, and interpreted statistically.

Statistical Treatment of Data

To interpret that data effectively, the researchers employed the following statistical

treatment.

In the statement of problem no. 1, the researchers used Frequency and Percentage

(F & D) to determine the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of; (1) most used

social media, (2) time exposure to the use of social media, and (3) purpose of using social

media. The formula of Frequency and Percentage is presented as follows:

𝐹
𝑃= 𝑥100%
𝑁

Where:

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F= Frequency

N= Total number of respondents

P= Percentage

For the statement of problem no. 2, the researchers utilized Weighted Arithmetic

Mean (WAM) to determine the perceived effects of fake news in social media on the

political attitudes of the respondents in terms of; (1) Political Efficacy, (2) Political

Alienation, (3) Political Cynicism. The formula for WAM is presented as follows:

Where:

- weighted average

- number of terms to be averaged

= weights applied to x values

= data values to be averaged

The following four-point scale was used to arrive at a definite interpretation of the

result of the study.

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Legend Scale Interpretation

Scale Mean Ranges Verbal Interpretation

4 3.26-4.00 Strongly Agree

3 2.51-3.25 Agree

2 1.76-2.50 Disagree

1 1.00-1.75 Strongly Disagree

For the statement of problem no. 3, the researchers employed Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA). It is to determine if there is a significant difference in the effects of

fake news on social media on the students' political attitudes when grouped according to

(a) most used social media platform and (b) time exposure on the use of social media.

The formula for ANOVA is presented as follows:

𝑀𝑆𝑇
𝐹=
𝑀𝑆𝐸

Where:

F=ANOVA coefficient

MST=Mean sum of squares due to treatment

MSE=Mean sum of squares due to error

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CURRICULUM VITAE

DELA CRUZ, MARIA E.

Brgy. Morong, Sariaya, Quezon
09673485698
mariaedelacruz@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

COLLEGE DEGREE: Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science

College of Sciences, Technology and Communications Inc.
Sariaya, Quezon
2022-present

HIGHSCHOOL: Brent International School

Biñan City, Laguna
2015-2022

ELEMENTARY: Brent International School

Biñan City, Laguna
2009-2015

ACHIEVEMENT

PERSONAL DATA

Nickname: Mary
Birth date: October 18, 2003
Civil Status: Single
Weight: 60 kg Height: 5’2
Religion: Christian
Hobbies: Reading books

Certified true and correct:

MARIA E. DELA CRUZ

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