1

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Fake news can take on different faces. This can be a major impact because

information shapes our world view. We can make decisions based on the information that

we heard or saw through the web or on the other social media platforms.

Fake news is a term that has come to mean different things to different people. As

its core defined by Shevon Desai et. Al “fake news” are those news stories that are false:

the story itself is fabricated, with no verifiable facts, sources or quotes.

The importance of having knowledge about fake news is not to cause harm to

others. According to the fact-checking website, Political, Fake news is a made-up stuff,

which is not even real, it is manipulated to look like credible a journalistic report that

spreads easily through online platforms to large masses of audience that is willing to

believe the fictions and spread the word. False rumors may have major consequences

especially if it targets a specific individual. They can be harassed and insulted through

social media or worst sometimes a threat that is somehow have real-life impacts on our

lives.

According to Maria Celeste Wagner and Pablo J. Boczkowski that there are these

perceptions that characterizes by: a) negative view of the current quality of news

reporting, b) particular distrust of news circulation on social media, and c) concerns about

the effects of these misinformation habits of others. To counter these perceptions, people

should rely on: a) traditional fact-based media; b) personal experience and knowledge; c)

repetition of information across outlets; d) fact-checking on other sources that you may
 2
know; and e) trust in certain personal contacts on social media.

A Pew Research Center study found that mostly people who are engage in reading

news articles have different ideas about the definition of ‘fake news’.

“The Pew study suggests that fake-news panic, rather than driving people to

abandon ideological outlets and the fringe, may actually be accelerating the process of

polarization: It’s driving consumers to drop some outlets, to simply consume less

information overall, and even to cut out social relationships.”

This is why it is important for people to seek out news with as little bias as

humanly possible.

The application of online class on students drive them to uses the internet to learn

and be connected. With a multitude of educational applications and the ability to search

information on the go a lot of student use their smartphones and the internet. In duration

of usage they are bound to be exposed to fake news on social media sites.

It is important to realize that false and misleading news is by no means new.

Malicious news stories have even led to violence and death in some parts of the world. In

many countries, they’re trust in many journalisms faded long ago, meaning broadcast

stations and newspapers are not seen as the same trustworthy article news.

Trust while looking in the media, it is important to recognize that not all countries

play as the same level of traditional trust in their media systems as we have in the

Philippines. Trust in media now is critically important barometer when it comes to the

false spread and misleading conceptions of news. Thus, in a society were citizens

wholeheartedly trust and embrace the journalisms, and it can act as bulwark against viral

falsehoods. On the other hand, as the trust in media declines, citizens increasingly turn

their collection of news sources into much wider collections.

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As major companies like Facebook and Google announces new initiatives to stem

the flow of false and misleading news, it is important to remember the global context of

disinformation. Particularly, by looking more deeply at how disinformation has been used

as a tool around the world, one can begin to see the immense difficulties in trying to

spread it, especially in a world that is falling out of interest in the journalisms.

Putting this all together, we see the different kinds of promotions by media

pundits, such as telling people to simply trust journalism or news.

The researcher has observed that students of Cebu Technological University

Danao Campus should be informed on how fake news affect their understanding of the

pandemic.

Thus, the researcher is motivated to conduct a study on the assessment of the effects of

fake news on students’ perception of the pandemic at Cebu Technological University,

Danao City Campus as basis for designing an action plan.

Theoretical Background

This study anchors on Echo Chamber Effect that states that people consume and

believe fake news due to the following psychological factors: (1) social credibility, which

means people are more likely to perceive a source as credible if others perceive the

source is credible, especially when there is not enough information available to access the

truthfulness of the source; and (2) frequency heuristic, which means that consumers may

naturally favor information they hear frequently, even if it is fake news (Kai Shu, 2017).

The pandemic has taken a toll on the world. The Philippine government has
 4
implemented a quarantine on its capital city of Manila on March 16 and it has been an on

and off situation since then. According to Department of Health, there have been 33,224

active cases and a total of 416,852 cases as of November 21 since the start of the

infection in the country. The pandemic have affected a lot of sector of society especially

our economy. According to Department of Trade and Industry, there are approximately

90,000 small businesses that have shut down due to the pandemic. In addition from being

ravage by the pandemic, the government have been dealing with another problem - the

spread of fakenews.

According to the House of Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media, and

Sport, there is no official definition of fake new but in general terms it is defined as

content with a goal to misinform. Fake news can be attributed to any kind of

misinformation including:

Fabricated content: completely false content.

Manipulated content: distortion of genuine information or imagery, for example a

headline that is made more sensationalist, often popularized by ‘click bait’.

Imposter content: impersonation of genuine sources, for example by using the

branding of an established news agency.

Misleading content: misleading use of information, for example by presenting

comment as fact.

False context of connection: factually accurate content that is shared with false

contextual information, for example when a headline of an article does not reflect the

content.

Satire and parody: presenting humorous but false stores as if they are true.

Although not usually categorized as fake news, this may unintentionally fool readers.
 5

Fake news may seem new, but the platform used is the only new thing about it.

Propaganda has been around for centuries, and the internet is only the latest means of

communication to be abused to spread lies and misinformation (TrendEcho

Micro). Fake news
Chamber Effect
Two-step Theory Magic Bullet Theory Illusory Truth Effect
comes in many forms. False headlines, doctored photos, doctored videos (Jeanne, 2019).

According to Jeffrey Kluger, the internet is not always the appropriate source of credible

information. There a lot of articles, webpages which may contains fake or true news and

distinguishing between them is not easy. The easy sharing access also makes the news

disseminated easily. The more the news stirs emotion the higher the chance that people

share it with others.

As asserted in Magic Bullet Theory, fake news in social media causes an in

instantaneous response from the audience mind without any hesitation. The magic gun

(media) shoots the message directly into audience head without their own knowledge that

causes changes in audience behavior and psyche towards the message.

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Designing an Action Plan

Figure 1. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework of the Study

Effect of Fake News on Students Perception of the Pandemic

As of January 2020, there are 73 million social media users in the Philippines which is

half of the total population. According to Maria Pilar Lorenzo, the speed on the dissemination of

valid and fake news on social media platforms has a high possibility to make the citizens

uncertain online.

Social media news distribution has a larger reach than traditional media. As media

messages (fake news) passes through the opinion leaders to other people who were not as

frequently exposed to media, it was indicated that opinion leaders have influence over the

opinions and attitudes of others, a process of information-gathering sometimes termed as “two-

 7
step flow” (Katz and Lazarsfeld ,1955).

The concept of the ‘two-step flow of communication’ suggests that the flow of

information and influence from the mass media to their audiences involves two steps: from the

media to certain individuals (i.e., the opinion leaders) and from them to the public (Gabriel,

2015).

According to Ivor Gaber, fake news is a challenge to the journalist as it is hard to identify

which is fake. It also provide validation on the importance of responsible journalism. In the

Philippines, it has been identified that at least 300 websites disseminates fake news (Maria). This

website are often used to broadcast fabricated accounts to smear political opponents (Peter,

2020). Fake news on the pandemic has risen considerably in the duration of the quarantine period.

There have been 32 people arrested by the Philippine National Police due to posting false

information on COVID-19. These people have cause panic in the populace and are now facing

charges of violating "Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances” under

Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. Fake news are not only spread by common people but

also those who are in power or in media. A Mayor in Cavite and two newsmen are charged for

allegedly using a fake Facebook account to attack political opponents and spreading fake news

about COVID-19 (Aaron,2020).

The health crises brought by the pandemic has increased the people need for information

to quell their anxiety and fear - in which fake news exploited. In an era of modernization,

information exchange has been efficient and so is the demand for solutions that combats

misinformation.

There are vast misinformation that are happening in social media as fake news often have

a large numbers of shares and often can be seen in every webpages. This can be attributed to

illusory truth effect which describes how repeated and constant exposure to fake news makes us

believe that it is true. Troublingly, this even happens when people should know better—that is,

when people initially know that the misinformation is false.

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According to the WHO, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the first pandemic in

history in which technology and social media are being used on a massive scale to keep people

safe, informed, productive and connected. At the same time, the technology we rely on to keep

connected and informed is enabling and amplifying an infodemic that continues to undermine the

global response and jeopardizes measures to control the pandemic.

As Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads across the globe so does misinformation or

infodemic. People have to responsible in tackling fake news or misinformation about Coronavirus

disease (COVID-19).

The highlights of this study includes the different platforms where fake news is

disseminated, its effect of on student's view of the pandemic and possible solutions to this

problem.

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study assessed the effect of fake news on how the CTU Danao students

perceive the ongoing pandemic as basis for designing the action plan. This study sought

to answer the following:

1. What are the social media sites students are use?

1.1. What is the duration of usage?

2. Why people disseminate fake news on social media?

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2.1 How do you verify news on social media?

3. What is the effect of fake news on how CTU Danao students view the ongoing
pandemic?

4. How is the implementation of government recovery efforts amid fake news?

5. Based on the results of the study, what action plan can be designed?

Significance of the Study

Learning is the aspect of development that connotes modification of behavior,

skills and knowledge that result from practice and experience with sought for quality

education.

The generalization of this present study would be a great contribution to the vast

knowledge in relation to fake news and its effect on students perception of the pandemic.

Vital result of this investigation could be highly significant and beneficial to the

following:

Students. This study sought to open their minds on the issue concerning the effect

of Fake new on Students Perception of the Pandemic on a general scale. The researcher
 10
would like to encourage students to give more importance in identifying the credible

information or news in the community and society.

Teacher. This study with the given data would guide the teacher to help their

student finding the genuine sources of news and encourage them to verify news before

sharing.

School. This study will accentuate the issue of effects of fake news on students of

Cebu Technological University Danao Campus. With the information that provided in

this study, the researcher would like to address impel the school administration to address

pressingissue.

Future Researcher. The idea presented may be used as reference in conducting

new researcher or extracting the validity of other related findings. This study will serve as

a cross references that will give them a background or overview and guide to support

future researcher pursuing the topic of fake news to develop their study.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Design/ Method

The descriptive method was applied in this research. This type of research

method is used since the purpose of the study is to analyze and interpret the effects of

fake news to the students in understanding of the pandemic. This descriptive method of

research is the most compatible design because the survey is concerned with perceptions

of people of the pandemic; effects that are being seen and felt; platforms of fake news

spreading and actions that has to be taken.

Flow of the study

The System Approach Model is followed by the study namely; input, process

and output. The inputs are profile of the respondents, the social media sites the students
 11
are using, dissemination of fake news on social media, effects of fake news on how CTU

Danao students view the ongoing pandemic, implementation of government recovery

efforts amid fake news, and action plan that can be designed. The process was undergone

through Statistical Treatment which includes percentage and ranking and weighted mean.

Environment

The research was conducted in the Cebu Technological University Danao

Campus. In order to gather absolute data despite of the pandemic and government

restrictions. The researchers only selected students that has an internet access as the

participants of this study.

Input
1. Profile of thestudents.
2. Social Media Platforms that were used and the ranges of its usage duration.
3. Reasons of fake news spreads and ways to verify news.
4. Effect on Students Perception of the Pandemic
5. Implementation of government recovery efforts amid fake news.
6. Recommendations that can be taken.

Process
Gathering of Data
Statistical Treatment
 Percentage
 Ranking
 WeightedMean
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Output
Action Plan

Figure 2. Flow of the study

Mapof Cebu Map of Danao City

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Cebu Technological University
Figure 3. Location of the study

Respondents

The respondents of this study were the students of CTU - Danao Campus who

possesses internet access and applications such as; Facebook Messenger and Web

Browsers that were used as a bridge of information gathering.

Each of the students age were asked at the beginning of the survey as one of the

important keys for the tallying of the respondents.

A total of 70 respondents answered the researchers - made questionnaire.

There are 12 (17.14%) youngest respondents at the age of 19 while there 2 (2.86%) at the

age of 27.

Table 1

Distribution of the Respondents

Age Frequen Percentage

cy
19 12 17.14%
20 19 27.14%
21 31 44.29%
22 2 2.86%
23 4 5.71%
27 2 2.86%
Total 70 100%
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Instrument

The researcher- made questionnaire was used in obtaining the desired data. It

was divided into six parts. The first part deals on the profile of the respondents. The

second part focuses on the social media platforms that were used and its duration. The

third part is about the reasons on the dissemination of fake news and ways to verify it.

The fourth part deals with the effects of fake news on students perception of the

pandemic. The fifth part includes the implementation of government recovery efforts

amid fake news. The sixth part is about the recommendations of the respondents to stop

the spread of fake news.

Data Gathering Procedure

In the conduct of the study, the researchers applied the following steps:

1. Preliminary Preparations

The researchers secured a written approval from the Campus Director of Cebu

Technological University, Danao Campus to conduct the study.

2. Preparation of the Questionnaire

The researchers prepared questions that answered the objectives of the study. The

adviser corrected the draft questionnaire after the refinement.

3. Distribution of the Questionnaire

The researchers-made questionnaire was transformed into an online survey and

was administered to each of the respondents' inboxes.

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4. Submittal of the Responses

The entries of the respondents was gathered and stored in the cloud storage that

can be accessed by the researchers only through internet.

5. Monitoring of the Responses

The responses was hourly monitored by the researchers until the needed quantity

was enough.

Statistical Treatment

The data gathered was subjected to statistical treatment using percentage and

ranking.

1. Percentage - This was to measure the profile of the students background in

relations to the variable found in the questionnaire.

2. Ranking - was used in arranging the social media platforms used by students,

the reasons of fake news dissemination, the effects of fake news on viewing the

pandemic, effects of fake news on how CTU Danao students view the ongoing pandemic,

implementation of government recovery efforts amid fake news, and possible solutions to

fake news on social media.

3. Weighted Mean - was used in the usage duration of social media platforms

used by the students, verification of fake news and the students perception of the severity

of the effect of pandemic on society amid the fake news on social media.
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Scoring Procedures

The degree of the responses was measured by using non-parametric scale.

1. The usage duration of social media platforms used by thestudents.

7+ hours 4.21 - 5.0

5 to 6 hours 3.41 - 4.20

2 to 4 hours 2.61 - 3.40

0 to 2 hours 1.81 - 2.60

I don't use this 1.0 - 1.80

site.

Range Category Description

4.21 - 5.0 7+ hours When the respondents are using

the platform 7+ hours a day.

3.41 - 4.20 5 to 6 hours When the respondents are using

the platform 5 to 6 hours a day.

2.61 - 3.40 2 to 4 hours When the respondents are using

the platform 2 to 4 hours a day.

1.81 - 2.60 0 to 2 hours When the respondents are using

the platform up to 2 hours a day

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1.0 - 1.80 I don't use this site When the respondents doesn't use

the platform.

2. The students' ways of verifying the authenticity of the news.

Always 4.21 - 5.0

Frequently if not 3.41 - 4.20

always

Sometimes 2.61 - 3.40

Once in a while 1.81 - 2.60

Never 1.0 - 1.80

Range Category Description

4.21 -5.0 Always If the respondent does it always to

verify the news.

3.41 - 4.20 Frequently if not If the respondent does it frequently

always to verify the news.

2.61 - 3.40 Sometimes If the respondent does it sometimes

to verify the news.

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1.81 - 2.60 Once in a while If the respondent does it once in a

while to verify the news.

1.0 - 1.80 Never If the respondent never does it to

verify the news.

3. The severity of the effect of pandemic on society.

3 Very severe 2.35 - 3.0

2 Severe 1.67 - 2.34

1 Not severe 1.0 - 1.66

Range Category Description

3 Very severe When the issues encountered by

the respondent are very severe.

2 Sever When the issues encountered by

the respondent are severe.

1 Not severe When the issues encountered by

the respondent are not severe.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

To have a greater visualization of this study, terms are defined in relation of this

research.

Perception. This research sought to know on how the fake news affects the
 19
perception or understandings of the Students in CTU Danao regarding to the Fake news

that is being spread rapidly amidst this pandemic.

Fake News. It refers to the false information that is presented as a news in television,

radio, and in social media.

Misinformation. A misleading content that could reach a wider audiences that may

cause a bad effect to the student’s perceptions.

News. Refers to the informations that is being published across social media,

magazines, and newspapers.

Social Media. The broadcasting platform of information that focuses on what is

being published that will depend on what is being produced in social networking

platforms.

Cebu Technological University Danao Campus. Cebu Technological University

Danao Campus is located in Sabang, Danao City. CTU Danao is the external campus of

Cebu Technological University. It started in June 1949. On June 22, 1957, RA No. 1907

converted it into a national vocational secondary school. In 1965, the school transferred

into its present site in Sabang, Danao City. In the year 1984 the school became a part of

the Cebu State College of Science and Technology and was known as CSCST-College of

Industrial Technology.

Infodemic. An extravagant amount of information that is typically unreliable,

spreads swiftly, includes the dissemination of fake informations or news about the

pandemic.

Misaligned. Refers to a improperly adjusted information.

Dissemination. The distribution of the news that can reach the students.
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Designing Action Plan. In designing an action plan, this research will show a

progression on how the students of CTU Danao identifies the resources that are needed

and to help them monitor, evaluate, and to be more updated regarding to the fake news

that can affect their perception.

Problem. In doing this research, there are sort of questions, obstacles, and

difficulties that are needed to be answered by doing a methodological research. It refers

to the hindrance of the students who experienced the bad effect of acquiring false

information.

Chapter 2

PRESENTATION, DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter is concerned with presentation, data analysis and interpretation of the data collected.

The findings from the 70 respondents are presented in tabular form. The chapter is divided into six parts.

The first part deals on the profile of the respondents. The second part focuses on the social media
 21
platforms that were used and its duration. The third part is about the reasons on the dissemination of fake

news and ways to verify it. The fourth part deals with the effects of fake news on students perception of

the pandemic. The fifth part includes the implementation of government recovery efforts amid fake news.

The sixth part is about the recommendations of the respondents to stop the spread of fake news.

Table 2

Personal Profile of Respondents in Cebu Technological University Danao Campus

(N=70)

Gender Frequency Percentage Gender

Male 25 35.7 Male
Female 45 64.3 Female
Total 70 100 Total

Table 2 shows the respondents who respond to our questionnaires. Out of the 70 respondents, there

are 25 (35.7%) males, 45 (64.3%) were females. This implies that there are more women students who

uses social media sites than men in Cebu Technological University Danao Campus.

Table 3

Age of the Respondents

(N=70)

Age Frequency Percentage Age

19 12 17.4 19
20 19 27.14 20
21 31 44.29 21
22 2 2.86 22
23 4 5.71 23
27 2 2.86 27
Total 70 100 Total
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Age indicates the level of maturity of individuals which is an important in understanding the

problem. Table 3 shows that majority of the respondents (82.9%) is 20 years old and up while the

remaining 17.1% are 19 years and below. This implies that majority of the respondents are old enough to

be aware of their environment.

Table 4

Course of the Respondents

(N=70)

Course Frequency Percentage Course

BIT 39 55.71 BIT
BSHM 9 12.85 BSHM
BSCE 8 11.43 BSCE
BSED 5 7.14 BSED
BEED 4 5.71 BEED
BSTM 3 4.28 BSTM
BTLED 1 1.43 BTLED
BSMX 1 1.43 BSMX
Total 70 100 Total

Table 4 presents the courses of the respondents. Out of the 70 respondents, 39 (55.7%)

respondents or the majority of the respondents are Bachelor in Industrial Technology students. This

implies that majority of the respondents are in the technology field.

Table 5

Social Media Used By Students

(N=70)

Social Media Sites Frequency Percentage Rank

Facebook 68 97.14 1
Youtube 59 84.29 2
Instagram 40 57.14 3
Twitter 20 28.57 4
Reddit 3 4.28 5
Pinterest 3 4.28 5
Total 70 100

Table 5 presents the usage of social media of the respondents. The table shows that 68 (97.1%) of
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the respondents uses Facebook. Facebook users in the Philippines were almost at 74 million as of 2019.

This implies that Facebook is the most used social media website in Cebu Technological University

Danao Campus. It is followed by Youtube with 59 responds.

Table 6

Time spend on social media

(N=70)

Social Media WM Rank

Facebook 3.4 1
Youtube 2.7 2
Instagram 1.9 3
Tumblr 1.0 5
Twitter 1.4 4
Reddit 1.0 5

Table 6 presents the time spent by the respondents on using social media. The table shows that

students are using Facebook for 5 to 6 hours per day followed by Youtube for 2 to 4 hours per day and

Instagram for 0 to 2 hours per day.

Table 7

Dissemination of Fake News on Social Media Websites

(N=10)

Variable Frequency Percentage Rank

They want to have fame. 47 67.14 1
They want to spread misinformation. 40 57.14 2
They just want to mess around albeit knowing that 37 52.85 3
it is not right.
They want to share it as a form of joke. 35 50 4
The want to misalign the government. 29 41.42 5
They want people to panic. 25 35.71 6
They want to share for black propaganda. 19 27.14 7
They don't have any hidden agenda because most 1 1.43 8
of the social media users don't think before
sharing information.
They just want other's attention 1 1.43 8
Maybe they want to share information to other 1 1.43 8
people without knowing if it is legit or not.
They are not aware of what they doing and just to 1 1.43 8
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share with everyone because they concern

Table 7 presents the respondents’ response on the question “What do you think is the caused why people

share fake news on social media?”. The table shows that 47 (67.1%) of the respondents think that people

share fake news on social media because they want to have fame. It is followed by “they want to spread

misinformation” and “they just want to mess around albeit knowing that it is not right”.

WM Remarks
Cross checking with other 2.6 Once in a while
website
Asking a friend 3.4 Sometimes
Compare with what is 3.6 Frequently if not always
reported on TV
Check the author 3.6 Frequently if not always
Check the source 4.0 Frequently if not always
Check the Date 4.1 Frequently if not always
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Check the biases on the post 3.7 Frequently if not always
Table 8

Ways for News Verification

(N=70)

Table 8 shows the respondents actions in verifying news. The students of Cebu Technological

University Danao Campus rarely verify their news by cross checking with other website and sometimes in

asking a friend. On the other hand they frequently compare and contrast with TV news outlets, checking

the author, article for biases and also checking the time and the source of the news.

Table 9

Fake News Awareness

(N=70)

Questions Frequency
Yes No
If you can’t verify the authenticity of the news, would 3 (4.3%) 67 (95.7%)
you still share it?
Have you ever been a victim of fake news? 53 (75.7%) 17 (24.3%)
Are you aware that not all news you read and saw are 62 (88.6%) 8 (11.4%)
true?
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Table 9 shows that 53 (75.7%) of respondents is a victim of fake news on social media sites. It

also shows 62 (88.6%) of them are aware that not all news they read and saw online are true. On the other

hand 67 (95.7%) of the respondent will not share any news that are not authenticated.

Table 10

Effect of Fake News on Students View of the Pandemic

(N=70)

Variable Frequency Percentage Rank

I gives me false hope 47 67.1 1

It causes panic 43 61.4 2

It creates unnecessary fear 42 60 3

It causes depression 35 50 4
I am doubtful of the news from other sources 35 50 4

It clouded my judgment 34 48.6 5

It promotes the idea that Covid-19 is a hoax. 29 41.4 6

It can destroy public image of company and 27 38.6 7
individual
Affects business relation to the customers 26 37.1 8

It promotes violence 20 28.6 9

It encourages me not to follow government 13 18.6 10

guidelines.

The respondents were asked on what are effect of fake news to students understanding of the

pandemic. Table 10 presents the respondents response to the question. The table shows that the pandemic

gave them false hope and panic. Followed by influence of unnecessary fear and depression.

Table 11
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Effect of the Pandemic to the Society
(N=70)
WM Remarks
Financial 2.5 Very Severe
Health 2.4 Very Severe
Economy 2.5 Very Severe
Job 2.5 Very Severe

Table 11 presents on how severe the student thinks of the effect of the pandemic to the society on

the basis of the news they seen on social media. The table shows that students think the pandemic have a

very severe impact on Finance, Job, Economy and Health.

Table 12

Implementation of Government Recovery Efforts Amid Fake News

(N=70)

Frequency Percentage Rank

People tend to self-medicate instead going to the 52 74.3 1
hospital
People do not follow the government regulations 47 67.1 2
due to fake news
It forces panic buying that leads to mobbing 46 65.7 3
Misinformation that Covid only affects old and 37 52.9 4
young people
Going out in public even though it is not allowed 36 51.4 5
by authorities
It hinders health professionals conducting Covid 3 4.2 7
tests
People may believe that masks are not essential 27 38.6 6

Table 12 presents the effect of fake news on the pandemic recovery efforts. Out of the 70

respondents, 52 (74.3%) respondents that people tend to self-medicate instead of going to the hospital.

Followed by breaching of government regulations and panic buying that leads to mobbing.

Table 13

Possible Solutions to Fake News on Social Media

(N=70)

Frequency Percentage Rank

Educate people on how to be aware of fake news 64 91.4 1
 28
online.
Impose laws that penalize sharing of fake news. 50 71.4 2
Social Media companies should enforce tighter 45 64.3 3
control over news in there platform.
Reporting fake news to authorities. 35 50 4
Have fake news awareness be included in the 32 45.7 5
school curriculum.

Table 13 presents the responds of the respondents on what recommendations can be proposed. Out

of the 70 respondents, 64 (91.4%) respondents recommends to educate people on how to be aware of fake

news online. Followed by imposing laws that penalized dissemination of fake news and enforcing tighter

control over news on social media platform.

Chapter 3

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

This study assessed the effect of fake news on students perceptions of the

pandemic at Cebu Technological University Danao City Campus during the Academic

Year 2020-2021 as basis for designing an action plan. Specifically, the study sought to

answer the sub-problems raised, thus: 1. What is the profile of Students as to: age and

gender; course; field of specialization? 2. What social media sites the students are using

in the pandemic, with the following scope: duration; and frequency of fake news

appearance 3. How fake news is disseminated on social media and how students verify

the news? 4. As perceived by the students, what are the effect of fake news in their

understanding of the pandemic? 5. What are the effects of fake news in government

Covid-19 recovery efforts? 6. What action plan can be design?

This research method used in this investigation was the descriptive method. There
 29
were one set of instrument employed to generate the data needed to shed light on the

problems raised: questionnaire for students in Cebu Technological University Danao

Campus.

FINDINGS

On the basis of the data gathered from their identified sources, the following findings

were arrived at.

Profile of Students

Age. Majority of the respondents (82.9%) is 20 years old and up while the remaining

17.1% are 19 years and below. This implies that majority of the respondents are old

enough to be aware of their environment.

Gender. Out of the 70 respondents, there are 25 (35.7%) males, 45 (64.3%) were

females. This implies that there are more women who uses social media sites thanmen.

Area of Specialization. Out of the 70 respondents, 39 respondents or the majority of the

respondents are Bachelor in Industrial Technology students. This implies that majority of

the respondents are in the technology field.

Social Media Website Used By Student of Cebu Technological University Danao

All of the respondents uses at least two social media websites. The table 5 shows

that the majority of the respondents uses the social media website, Facebook and

Youtube. Facebook Inc. is an American social media conglomerate corporation based in

Menlo Park, California. According to Statista, Facebook users in the Philippines were

almost at 74 million as of 2019. Youtube however is one of Google's subsidiaries. This

implies that Facebook and Youtube are the most used social media website by students in

Cebu Technological University Danao Campus. It is followed by Instagram, a photo

sharing app acquired by Facebook in 2012 with 40response.

 30
Duration of Usage

Student spends more time on Facebook than any other social media app, with

average duration of 5 to 6 hours of usage. Youtube has lesser duration with an averageof

2 to 4 hours per day. This is due to Facebook providing uses free access without

subscription in which Youtube lacks.

Dissemination of Fake News on Social Media Website

Table 7 shows that students think that people share fake news on social media for

fame 47 (67.1%), followed by the goal to misinform the public. Surprisingly the third

reasons on why people share fake news online is just to mess around albeit knowing that

dissemination of fake news is not a right thing to do.

Verification of News

Verifying news is a major process in finding genuine posts on social media. Table 8 shows the

respondents actions in verifying news. The students of Cebu Technological University Danao Campus

rarely verify their news by cross checking with other websites. They tend to frequently compare and

contrast with news with TV outlets, checking the author and the source the article for biases and the date

of publication. Students sometimes ask their friends for verification of the news.

Victim of Fake News

There are a lot of students who are victim of fake news. Table 9 shows that 53

(75.7%) of respondents is a victim of fake news on social media sites albeit being aware

62 (88.6%) that not all news they read and saw online are true. On the other hand 67

(95.7%) of the respondent will not share any news that are not authenticated or verified.

Effect of Fake News in Students View of the Pandemic

 31

Fake news has a negative effect on the understanding of students of the pandemic.

Table 10 shows that fake news about the pandemic gave them false hope; Headlines like,

"Coronavirus being a hoax" or "Coronavirus only affects those who are sick with other

diseases in the first place" or "Covid-19 is just a seasonal flu" makes the students view

the pandemic lightly that can results in fatal repercussion. It also causes panic as some

fake news in social media promote anxiety and stress. The influence of fake news in their

mentality creates unnecessary fear and depression.

Severity

The pandemic has affected people in all walks of like. In table 11 it presents on

how severe the student thinks of the effect of the pandemic to the society on the basis of

the news they seen on social media. It shows that students think the pandemic have a very

severe impact on Finance, Job, Economy and Health.

Students Views on Government Guidelines Amid Fake News

The government have been employing several actions to stop the spread of the

virus since the start of the pandemic. Table 12 shows the students view of government

guidelines during pandemic amid fake news on social media. Out of the 70 respondents,

52 (74.3%) respondents said that due to fake news on social media proper pandemic

procedures from government agencies are not followed as people tend to self-medicate

instead of going to the hospital resulting in inadequate medical care and higher risk for

infections. People also breached government regulations like using masks and staying

home in believing that they are not effective.

 32

Possible Solutions to Fake News on Social Media

Table 13 presents the responds of the students on what possible solutions to fake

news on social media. Out of the 70 respondents, 64 (91.4%) respondents recommends to

educate people on how to be aware of fake news on social media. Followed by imposing

laws that penalized dissemination of fake news and enforcing tighter control over news

on social media platform.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of the study, it can be drawn that fake news have a negative

effect on how students percieve the pandemic.. Thus, the designed action plan is

recommended for implementation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the above findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are

hereby presented:

1. Fake news awareness and the importance of news verification should be taught in

schools in order for student to have a wider perspective of this aspect of the

internet and to enable them to properly use social media platforms.

2. Social Media companies should also enforce strict screening of post in their

platforms.

3. Further studies are recommended.

 33

OUTPUT OF THE STUDY DESIGNING AN ACTION PLAN FOR EFFECT OF

FAKE NEWS ON STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF THE PANDEMIC IN CEBU

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY DANAO CAMPUS

Chapter 4
 34
PROPOSED ACTION PLAN

EFFECT OF FAKE NEWS ON STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF THE PANDEMIC

Goal: Students who are responsible of their actions and knowledgeable about fake news

on social media websites.

General Objective: Students emphasize the importance of news verification and

initiative to debunk fake news on social media.

Area of Objectiv Strategies Performan Responsi Timelin Resource

Concern es ce ble e s

Indicator Person

for the

Action

Infodemic Adhere Conduct a Student Campus 1 time School

( Fake the seminar/webi should Director, in every Fund,

News Section 6 nar discussing passed the Dean, two Departme

about the (f) of RA the survey at Guidance Academ nt Fund,

pandemic 11469, significance the end of Counsello ic Year Personal

) that of news in the seminar r,

penalize times of with 80% Teachers

individual pandemic and to 90%

s who the negative passing

 deciminat effect of fake rate.

es fake news.

news

about the

Covid-19.

News To enable Include news Students Campus 1 time School

Verificati students verification in should Director, every Fund,

on identify science and have less Dean, school Departme

fake news technology shared post Guidance year nt Fund,

on social day activities. on social Counsello Personal

media media with r,

unverified Teachers

content.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. WEBSITES

https://dl.acm.org/doi/fullHtml/10.1145/3377478

https://daily.jstor.org/to-fix-fake-news-look-to-yellow-journalism/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4816661/#:~:text=The

%20%E2%80%9Cillusory%20truth%E2%80%9D%20effect%20refers,may%20be

%20misleading%20or% 20unknown.

https://restofworld.org/2020/in-the-philippines-fake-news-can-get-you-killed/

https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/pl/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/fake-

news-cyber-propaganda-the-abuse-of-social-media

https://philippines.fnst.org/content/philippine-governments-losing-war-disinformation

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0961000620949653

https://internews.org/news/fake-news-how-disinformation-spread-technological-

advances-are-making-it-more-dangerous

https://www.cjr.org/special_report/media-literacy-trump-fake-news.php

https://www.who.int/news/item/23-09-2020-managing-the-covid-19-infodemic-

promoting-healthy-behaviours-and-mitigating-the-harm-from-misinformation-and-

disinformation
https://www.statista.com/statistics/490455/number-of-philippines-facebook-

users/#:~:text=As%20of%202019%2C%20there%20were,Facebook%20users%20in%20t

he%20Philippines.
APPENDICES
 Appendix A

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

November 2020

Dear Ma’am/Sir,
Good Day.
We, the students of BIT - 3E of Cebu Technological University would like to ask
for permission to allow us to conduct a survey about, "FAKE NEWS ON SOCIAL
MEDIA: EFFECTS ON CTU DANAO STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF THE
PANDEMIC". The survey will last only about 5 to 10 minutes. Rest assured that the data
gathered will remain confidential and for academic purposes only. We are hoping that
this request will merit your favorable approval.

Yours Sincerely,

Belecina, Rogie Mar

Capul, Stephan Jean
Cortes, Wengiel
Jugalbot, Joshua Hanzel
Magcayan, Mauren Capul
Sabang, Jhon Carlo
Yurag, Chelseay
Researchers

Noted By:
Jose Brian Jungco
Research Adviser
 Appendix B

SURVEY
QUESTIONNAIRE

Profile of the respondents

Please write your answer on the space provided:
Name (Optional):
Gender:
Age:
Year & Course:

Part 1: Social Media Used by Students in the duration of the pandemic

What Social Media Sites do you use?
Facebook
Youtube
Instagram
Tumblr
Twitter
Reddit
Others:

How much time do you spend on the following social media in a day?
Instructions: Tick one of the options to the right of each item to indicate your response.
Legends
1 - I don’t use thissite.
2 - 0 to 2Hours
3 - 2 to 4Hours
4 - 5 to 6Hours
5 - 7+Hours
1 2 3 4 5
Facebook
Youtube
Instagram
Tumblr
Twitter
Reddit
Others

Part 2: Decimination of Fake News on Social Media Websites

What do you think is the caused why people share fake news on social media?
They want to have fame.
They want people to panic.
The want to misaligned the government.
They want to spread misinformation.
They want to share it as a form of joke.
They just want to mess around albeit knowing that it is not right.
They want to share for black propaganda.

How do you verify news you see on social media?

Instructions: Tick one of the options to the right of each item to indicate your response.
Legend
5 - Always
4 - Frequently if not always
3 - Sometimes
2 - Once in a while
1 – Never

1 2 3 4 5
Cross Checking with other website
Asking a friend
Compare with what is reported in TV
Check the author
Check the source
Check the Date
Check the biases on the post

If you can’t verify the authenticity of the news, would you still share it? Yes No
Have you ever been a victim of fake news? Yes No
Are you aware that not all news you read and saw are true? Yes No

Part 3: Effect of fake news on Students view of the pandemic

How fake news influenced students view of the pandemic?
It makes me anxious
It encourages wrong practices that have lethal side effects
It promotesviolence
It clouded my judgment
I gives me false hope
It creates unnecessary fear
It causes depression
It promotes the idea that Covid-19 is a hoax.
It encourages me not to follow governement guidelines.
I am doubtful of the news from other sources
It can destroy public image of company and individual
It causes panic
Affects business relation to the customers
Others (Please Specify)
Perception of people of the pandemic
In your point of view how severe is the effect of Covid19 in termsto:
Legend 1 – NotSevere
2 -Severe
3 - VerySevere

1 2 3

Financial
Health
Economy
Job

Part 4:Implementation of government recovery efforts amid fake news

In your opinion what are the effects of fake news on the recovery efforts right now?
It hinders health professionals conducting Covid tests
People may believe that masks are not essential
Misinformation that Covid only affects old and young people
It forces panic buying that leads to mobbing
Going out in public even though it is not allowed by authorities
People do not follow the government regulations due to fake news
People tend to self-medicate instead going to the hospital
Others (PleaseSpecify)

Part 5: Recommendations that can beproposed

In your point of view what actions should be taken to stop the spread of fake news?
Imposed laws that penalize sharing of fake news.
 Educate people on how to be aware of fake news online.
Have fake news awareness be included in the school curriculum.
Reporting fake news to authorities.
Social Media companies should enforce tighter control over news in there
platform.
Others (PleaseSpecify)
CURRICULUM VITAE
A. Personal Background
Rogie Mar Belecina
Bactas, CatmonCebu
Email Address:rogiemar.belecina@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational Background
Senior High School
Catmon Integrated School – CIS
Highway, Catmon Cebu
2016-2018

Junior High School

Gabriel Jurado Foundation School
Flores, Catmon Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Bactas Elementary School
Bactas, Catmon Cebu
2006-2012
A. Personal Background
Stephan Jean F. Capul
Poblacion, CompostelaCebu
Email address: stephanjean.capul@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational background
Senior High School
Compostela National High School
Poblacion, Compostela Cebu
2016-2018

Junior High School

Compostela National High School
Poblacion, Compostela Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Cogon Compostela Central School
Poblacion, Compostela Cebu
2006-2012
A. Personal Background
Wengiel A.Cortes
Suba, Poblacion, Liloan Cebu
Email Address: Wengiel.cortes@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational Background
Senior High School
Britech College
White rose, Yati, Liloan Cebu
2016-2018

Junior High School

Liloan National High School
Poblacion, Liloan Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Ibabao-Estancia, Elementary School
Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City
2005-2012
A. Personal Background
Joshua Hanzel D. Jugalbot
Landing, Catarman, LiloanCebu
Email Address: joshuahanzel.jugalbot@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational Background
Senior High School
Britech College
White Rose, Yati, Lilo-an Cebu
2016-2018

Junior High School

Liloan National High Shool
Poblacion, Liloan Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Tayud Elementary School
Tayud, Lilo-an Cebu
2006-2012
A. PersonalBackground
Magcayan Mauren C.
Lo-oc, Danao City Cebu
Email Address: mauren.magcayan@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational Background
Senior High School
Maripipi National Vocational School - Home Economics
Maripipi, Biliran
2016-2018

Junior High School

Bibiana Mercado Integrated School
Quarry Lo-oc, Danao City Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Danao City Central School
F. Ralota, Danao City Cebu
2006-2012
A. Personal Background
Jhon Carlo A. Sabang
Sabang, Danao CityCebu
Email Address: jhoncarlo.sabang@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational Background
Senior High School
Ramon M. Durano Sr. Foundation – STEC
Guinsay, Danao City Cebu
2016-2018

Junior High School

Sabang National High School
Sabang, Danao City Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Sabang Elementary School
Sabang, Danao City Cebu
2006-2012
A. Personal Background
Chelseay Mae P. Yurag
Compostela,Cebu
Email Address: chelseaymae.yurag@ctu.edu.ph

B. Educational Background
Senior High School
University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Campus
Mandaue City Cebu
2016-2018

Junior High School

Compostela National High School
Poblacion, Compostela Cebu
2012-2016

Elementary
Compostela Central School
Cogon, Compostela Cebu
2011-2012