Text by JESSTONY B. ANGEL

Cartoon by ALNICO FERNANDEZ JR.

With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), now capable of generating realistic videos, we must ask ourselves: are we embracing a revolutionary breakthrough, or have we just unlocked a powerful new channel for the spread of fake news?

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, woven into our daily routines. From drafting essays to generating images and automating paperwork, AI has become a convenient tool for many Filipinos. It’s undeniable: AI makes life easier. But as with any powerful tool, there are downsides, especially when it's used to mislead, manipulate, or misinform.

Take, for instance, the AI-generated video involving the impeachment of the Vice President. In the video, “AI students” were shown responding to the issue. But if the goal was to gather genuine youth opinion, why rely on computer-generated personas? Why not amplify real voices?

The truth is, every AI-generated output is based on prompts and commands from a human operator. It reflects the intent, bias, and perspective of its creator. And when such content is framed as public opinion, it risks becoming a sophisticated form of disinformation.

Thankfully, some viewers were quick to notice: the visuals looked off, the settings unfamiliar, and the quality inconsistent. But not every Filipino has the awareness and ability to distinguish real from fabricated. In fact, AI-generated content is becoming so lifelike that even seasoned politicians and netizens have failed to spot that the video wasn’t real.

That’s alarming. If our public officials can be fooled, how much harder is it for the average Filipino, many of whom are still adjusting to this new digital reality? According to a study, majority of Filipinos either fall victim to fake news or face challenges navigating media and information online.

Social media, the most common source of disinformation, is particularly vulnerable. Unlike messaging apps or search engines, social platforms amplify content quickly and widely. This is why tech companies must step up: strengthen moderation, fact-check rigorously, and prevent false content from spreading unchecked.

Yet, platform moderation remains inadequate. While a third of Filipinos believe current efforts are enough, there are those who feel platforms are falling short in removing harmful or misleading posts. The message is clear: Filipinos want more accountability from these tech giants.

But we, the users, also bear responsibility. We cannot wait for platforms to fix everything. We must take proactive steps. So, what do we do?

Let’s think of information like food. Before eating, you check for ingredients, inspect its freshness, and observe how it’s presented. The same logic should apply online. Before believing a post or sharing a video, ask: Is it credible? Does it come from a reliable source? Is there anything suspicious about it?

This mindset of careful, critical consumption is our best defense in a digital world polluted by misinformation. If we can cultivate this skill, if we can tell the difference between truth and manipulation, between human-made and AI-generated, then we stand a chance of preserving the integrity of public discourse.

As AI continues to shape our digital future, we must remember: it is a double-edged sword. It can power progress, and at the flip side, propagate lies. At its core, AI is just a tool. Whether it builds a better society or breaks it apart depends on how we decide to use it.

Jesstony B. Angel, 20, from Solano, is a second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education student at Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU). He currently serves as the assistant managing editor of Varsity Courier, official student publication of NVSU. He was a participant of the 25th Word Cup held in Boracay.

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