Sample of Manipulative Medium

 How the Media Manipulates Information: A Critical Analysis on the West Philippine Sea Disinformation War

        

            In our current digital age, information is readily accessible and easily obtainable with a few simple clicks, but the only problem is distinguishing lies and manipulative media from the truth. All media outlets, mainstream or personal, have the ability to shape the information that they put out, influencing public opinion and even distorting reality to such a degree that it barely looks like the truth. One recent example is that of the dispute between the Philippines and China regarding the West Philippine Sea. 

            Over the past months, this dispute has been a hot topic among social media users, and traditional media enjoyers. With rising tensions between Filipinos and Chinese forces over the maritime territory, misinformation has been an effective tool in fueling public outrage or forcing Filipinos to stand aside and submit to the Chinese. 

            One manipulative tactic that has been circulating was the usage of AI-Generated Videos that depict misleading and alleged provocations by the Philippines Coast Guard, which was showcased by news outlets and vloggers, but later reports on the matter said that these videos were created falsely or taken out of context. This showed the Philippines in a bad light, which had convinced many by the time the truth was revealed, which lead to numerous hate and unjust treatment. 

            Media manipulation works in very subtle but effective ways, using tactics that the unaware viewer may not notice at first. Here are some of the most common tactics and methods that were observed during the West Philippine Sea conflict: 

            1. SELECTIVE FRAMING

                    - Some news outlets chose to be selective about what they showcase to the public, by highlighting certain parts while leaving out others, creating a one-sided story in the favor of the Chinese. Pro-Chinese  narratives chose to showcase the Philippine Coast Guard "harrasing" Chinese vessels, while leaving out the part that these vessels were illegally operating within the boundaries of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone or EEZ. 

            2. MISLEADING HEADLINES & CLICKBAIT

                    - Exaggerated headlines are another powerful tool in spreading misinformation. Consider a headline such as this: "PH Coast Guard Denies Chinese Fishermen in the EEZ!".
This portrays the Philippines as the aggressors, but the news outlet chose to omit the context that these "fishermen" were illegally operating in the area as maritime militia conducting territorial invasions. 

             3. FAKE EXPERTS/PROPAGANDA VOICES

                    - Certain media channels invite "experts" who put on a facade to showcase a neutral analysis on the situation, but these "experts" push a pro-Chinese rhetoric. This is a common strategy in creating a false sense of credibility, alternating the information to make it seem legitimate, when it really was a lie or far from the truth. 

              4. TROLLS AND BOTS

                    - On social media, numerous internet trolls or automated bots flood news posts with pro-China or anti-government comments, creating an illusion of public agreement on the matter. Filipinos, who have little to no digital literacy, and will most likely believe in what they read, will assume that this is what the opinion of what the majority of "people" think. This manufactured reality clashes with the truth and can cause issues with the truth. 

           These manipulative strategies, if successful, usually aim to do more than cause chaos in the form of confusion--they aim to weaken national unity. When people see that opinions are divided, some choose to refrain from engaging more in the issue, thinking it to be too complicated. While others, who see the same narrative over and over, might start to believe in the pro-China agenda, which causes them to undermine the rightful position in the Philippines in the dispute:
        - Aims to make Filipinos doubt their own government.

        - Aims to normalize China's actions in the West Philippine Sea.

        - Aims to discourage resistance and national unity against issues such as these.

            The constructed message here is that the Philippines is the aggressor, while China is merely "acting in self-defense", and that this issue is not worth putting any effort in. But on the contrary, the truth speaks that the Philippines has the legal and moral right to fight for the territory, as upheld by the 2016 Hague ruling. By allowing manipulated media to remain unchecked, we are allowing foreign interests shape our identity and future policies. 

            The fight against misinformation starts with us being aware of the possible forms of manipulative media, as well as being vigilant in our intake of social media and traditional media. We must first, verify our sources, meanwhile following reputable news organizations who have thoroughly researched their material, and release it to the public without bias. Calling out misinformation that we see online, correcting what is shown, and thinking critically about narratives that seem too one-sided or biased. In the current state of the world, where lies are often louder than the truth, critical thinking is our greatest tool. Let us use our mind wisely, especially in protecting our national sovereignty