In a nation where digital media dominates, content creators hold more influence on people than the government. However, when issues of digital ethics arose, most of them vanished.
On February 4, the House of Representatives met with 40 social media content creators to develop regulations and a code of ethics for digital content. However, only three attended, most citing their freedom of speech or being "out of the country." Lawmakers deemed their excuses "invalid," issuing show-cause orders to those who deliberately ignored the invitation.
Incidents like this reveal a worsening crisis: the unchecked power of influencers in shaping public discourse and the erosion of journalistic integrity. When influencers evade accountability, misinformation thrives, and journalism suffers. The solution is clear: content creators must adhere to ethical standards or face consequences.
Journalism, at its core, is governed by the highest ethical standards of accuracy, transparency, and accountability. Unlike the engagement-rooted nature of social media content, traditional journalism faces rigorous editing and meticulous fact-checking to satisfy ethical considerations. However, in an age where virality often trumps veracity, misinformation becomes a normal habit.
This issue is particularly alarming in the Philippines. According to a 2022 Pulse Asia survey, 9 in 10 Filipinos recognize misinformation as a serious problem. A 2023 Social Weather Station (SWS) study also stated that more than half of Filipinos had a hard time distinguishing verified news from fake news on various platforms. This level of confusion further contributes to manipulation, unchecked criticism, and reputational harm, and with the elections drawing nearer, these effects are only exploited for personal and political gains. However, despite these dangers, government regulation of content creators remains weak.
Many influencers cite freedom of speech when confronted about their role in spreading fake news. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Free speech does not extend to inciting hate or harm towards an individual, nor does it imply the abuse or manipulation of facts and narratives. While they may not identify as journalists, they must also be held accountable for the weight of their platforms and their brand of discourse.
That being said, government action aimed at regulating digital content must be approached with caution. Unchecked measures may only lead to censorship of discourse rather than a genuine fight against misinformation. A fair solution lies in balanced provisions for independent watchdogs, along with media literacy platforms and stronger campus journalism initiatives that provide younger audiences with critical thinking skills. In addition, a national code of ethics for social media content should be drafted by respected journalists, those who are used to ethical demands and can ensure that such policies put public interest as utmost priority.
Critics, particularly those who dodged the House committee argue that mainstream media itself is not immune to biases, yet scrutiny is disproportionately placed on influencers rather than established news outlets. While their concern is valid, it does not justify the masquerading of misinformation under the guise of free speech. In addition, professional journalism, despite its flaws, operates on the structures of transparency and accountability. Influencers, however, often face no consequences for misinformation. These unfair structures must be addressed.
Public trust in journalism is already fragile, and blurring the lines between journalism and unchecked content creation only worsens the crisis. This issue is not about stifling voices that challenge the order and remind us of democracy but rather about the need to hold all public figures, whether professionals or influencers, to the highest ethical standards.
Unless we demand accountability from social media influencers, misinformation and disinformation will continue to undermine the laurels of our society. The time to act is now.
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Opinion