The youth must practice digital discernment
Scroll, think, decide
Published Jul 13, 2025 10:46 pm
By Ma. Vinese M. Cabrera
Illustrations by Eon Catangcatang and Nelmund Rayson Carman
“Do you agree?” “Why yes? Why not?” “What do you mean?” “Why did they side with this?”
These are the questions lingering in our ears and minds whenever we are asked about a hot topic. Now, mind if you share yours?
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, the youth are most likely to be influenced. Growing up surrounded by gadgets and devices, this is bound to happen. Everyone carries gadgets loaded with social media apps like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok, Threads, and more, drawn to the endless “fun” they provide. Spending time on these apps, “doom scrolling” must seem enjoyable, as you're entertained without paying a cent.
Social media is a platform where you can not only connect and converse with friends and loved ones, but also access boundless and unfiltered entertainment. You can share various information, interact with people, and build relationships. It can even be educational through free tutorials and lessons, “how-to” guides, and crash courses on YouTube. As long as you have internet access, the possibilities are endless. It can be a helpful tool to unwind and relax after a long, hectic day.
Being on these social media platforms also allows users to follow people they admire for any reason—and that’s where the sinkhole starts to widen.
People are easily influenced, especially those who are quick to let their guard down. With the “right” structure of opinion and the presence of “right” data, anyone can be swayed. This fuels the spread of misinformation and the misuse of popularity because the internet is a wild place.
In any topic—beauty, travel, art, showbiz, and more—everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But once someone sees a post that contradicts their views, and it has massive engagement, something inside them may start to shift. Picture this: A teen is clueless about a certain debate and stumbles upon a post with 500,000 likes and 403 comments. What do you think they’ll do? Of course, they’ll read it. But the catch is: They’re hearing only one side of the story. That’s why having your own opinion matters. Hone it and own it, only after knowing and understanding the full story.
A post may offer facts, but that doesn’t mean it’s 100 percent accurate. According to Pew Research Center, 95 percent of teens worldwide use social media apps. That means 95 percent can scroll through TikTok, with a 50 percent chance of being influenced. Through engagements, this industry is fueled by influence, thanks to algorithms that tailor content for each user. It's like a mind game you face every day where you ask yourself, “For real?”—then end up agreeing with the post simply because it uses facts to sound “valid” and “favorable.”
Social media, especially in the age of artificial intelligence, is growing more powerful with time. Let’s not underestimate, nor disregard, our ability to think critically and form our own opinions. We are all entitled, and we are powerful in our own right, and that’s something no one can take away.
We, the youth, must not let a single post define what our hearts and minds truly stand for. To my fellow youth, I offer this reminder: Understand, reflect, and discern wisely, drawing from verified information and credible sources. Let truth guide your voice, not just what’s trending.
Ma. Vinese M. Cabrera is a student journalist for The Horizon, the official student publication of Iloilo Doctors’ College–Basic Education Department. Her love for journalism blossomed at an early age, beginning in elementary when she joined various writing competitions. Her commitment deepened when she became part of The Horizon, where she continues to grow as a campus writer, recently participating in journalism seminars such as the 25th Word Cup held in Boracay.
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