Disinformation, Fact-Checking, and the Power of Stories: How Fiction Shapes Our Reality

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In the battle against disinformation, one truth has become abundantly clear: simply presenting the facts isn't enough. Despite extensive fact-checking efforts, the spread of “fiction” dressed as “facts” continues to thrive. A Pulse Asia survey recently underscored this fact, highlighting that the battle against false narratives requires more than just truth—it demands compelling storytelling. This article explores the role of narratives in shaping our beliefs, offering insights into why disinformation often triumphs and how we can learn from movies and TV series that tackle similar themes of truth, deception, and the power of stories.

The Human Mind: A Meaning-Yearning Machine

At its core, the human mind is a meaning-making machine. We seek patterns and simplifications to understand the overwhelming complexity of reality. In the digital age, where we are bombarded with information from all sides, it’s easy to gravitate toward stories that make the world seem more coherent, even if those stories aren’t entirely true. This instinct for simplification is a survival mechanism, allowing us to process the vast amount of information we encounter.

Much like how we consume media, the human brain is more likely to accept narratives that align with pre-existing beliefs or emotions, even when those narratives are factually incorrect. Stories, after all, are powerful tools for making sense of the world.

Why Fact-Checking Fails

For those in the fields of journalism, academia, and fact-checking, the battle against disinformation can feel like a Sisyphean task. Despite their best efforts to correct falsehoods, misinformation often prevails. The Pulse Asia survey points to the fact that mere facts, without context or emotional resonance, fail to compete with the narratives spun by those peddling fiction as truth.

Disinformation is not just about incorrect facts—it’s about telling better stories. The creators of fake news often craft narratives that tap into fear, anger, or desire—emotions that override reason. These stories don’t just present information; they evoke a response, making it easier for people to accept a false narrative because it aligns with their emotions or worldview.

Movies and TV Shows That Reflect This Struggle

Several films and TV shows explore themes of truth versus fiction, shedding light on the power of stories in shaping public perception. Movies like The Social Network (2010) and TV series like The Newsroom (2012-2014) offer a stark look at the role of media in constructing reality. In The Social Network, the rise of Facebook shows how a platform, founded on truth, can become a breeding ground for misinformation. It reveals how technology can amplify narratives that are more compelling, if not more accurate, than the truth.

Similarly, The Newsroom, with its idealistic portrayal of journalism, delves into the conflict between presenting hard facts and telling a story that resonates with viewers. The show’s central conflict revolves around the ethical responsibility of journalists to balance truth and audience engagement—a challenge that mirrors our current struggle against disinformation.

Films like Wag the Dog (1997) and The Truman Show (1998) take the theme of manipulated realities even further. In Wag the Dog, a fictional war is created to distract the public from a political scandal, showing how easily the media can craft a narrative that overrides reality. In The Truman Show, the protagonist’s entire life is a scripted narrative, questioning the nature of truth when everything around you is a constructed story. These films emphasize how powerful a well-crafted narrative can be in shaping what we believe to be true, even when it's far from reality.

The Power of Storytelling in the Battle Against Disinformation

If we want to combat disinformation, we must recognize that facts alone won’t suffice. Instead, we must learn how to tell better stories—stories that are not only accurate but also meaningful. The challenge here is significant. Many of those fighting disinformation are often detached from the very people they seek to influence. Intellectuals, scholars, and fact-checkers may be well-versed in facts, but they often fail to understand the emotional and cultural narratives that resonate with the audience.

This disconnection is beautifully captured in the TV series Veep (2012-2019), where the political elite's failure to connect with everyday people often leads to disastrous consequences. The show humorously yet sharply critiques how those in power sometimes view the masses as “beneath them,” forgetting that understanding the audience is crucial for influencing public opinion.

To tell better stories, those tasked with upholding truth must step away from their ivory towers and engage with the lived experiences of the people. This is a lesson that The Wire (2002-2008) teaches through its exploration of systemic issues in Baltimore, showing how stories rooted in the experiences of the city’s residents provide a deeper, more accurate view of reality than the abstract data and policies created by distant lawmakers.

Why We Must Tell Better Stories

In the battle between truth and fiction, the key lies in making facts meaningful to the audience. Without context, facts are inert; they lack significance and fail to resonate with people. In contrast, a good story gives facts context, making them relatable and engaging.

This is the underlying lesson of 12 Angry Men (1957), where a single juror’s story—one of doubt and questioning—ultimately sways a jury and changes the course of justice. The film emphasizes that stories don’t just inform; they transform. They offer new perspectives and challenge preconceived notions. This is why those who spread disinformation are so effective—they are masters at crafting narratives that tap into emotions, fears, and biases, making their stories feel more “true” even when they aren’t.

In contrast, to win the story wars, we must craft narratives that connect facts with the experiences, emotions, and values of the people. This is a challenge that many who fight disinformation today still struggle with—especially those in academia or the media who, like the characters in The Big Short (2015), often fail to recognize that their audience isn’t always receptive to the dry, detached presentation of facts. The real key is to make the story behind the facts compelling and human-centered.

The Road Ahead: A Call to Action

To win the fight against disinformation, we must embrace the art of storytelling. This means not just presenting the facts but weaving them into stories that are meaningful, relatable, and engaging. It’s not enough to merely “educate” the public; those fighting misinformation must engage with the world of everyday experiences—“the shadows and dust” where real people live.

Movies like Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) remind us that journalism once had the power to change the world by telling the truth in compelling ways. Today, those who seek to correct the record must take a page from these films: they must tell better stories. Only by weaving facts into stories that resonate emotionally and culturally can we hope to turn the tide against disinformation and ensure that truth wins in the end.

In the world of storytelling, it’s not just the facts that matter—it’s how we tell them. To win the story wars, we must all learn how to tell better stories. Only then can we hope to create a more informed, more truthful world.

The STP Marketing Model in Political Campaigns: A Case Study on Luke Espiritu’s Campaign Strategy

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In the world of marketing, there’s a simple but powerful framework that drives decisions and strategy: STP. This stands for Segment, Target, and Position. While STP is commonly applied in business and product marketing, it also holds great significance in the realm of political campaigns. For politicians, understanding the nuances of their audience is paramount, and applying STP could be the difference between a campaign that resonates and one that falls short.

Let’s break it down using Luke Espiritu's current political standing as a case study. As of December 2024, Luke Espiritu, a candidate for the 2025 elections in the Philippines, ranks somewhere between 26th and 41st. That’s quite far from the coveted top 12, where candidates need to be positioned to win a seat. While some argue that it’s not his message that’s flawed, but rather his lack of recognition, this assumption is only partially true. The reality lies in a deeper analysis of data and the candidate’s positioning strategy.

Segmenting the Voter Base: Who is the ‘Manggagawa’ Voter?

In his campaign, Espiritu is rallying for the manggagawa (workers) of the Philippines — a group that totals around 40 million people. But is this demographic a homogenous bloc, or is it made up of diverse segments with varying concerns, values, and priorities? When we break it down, we find that the manggagawa is not a singular entity. It encompasses a wide range of workers, from laborers in factories to freelancers, tech workers, teachers, and healthcare professionals. These individuals have different needs, aspirations, and struggles, even though they all share a common term: manggagawa.

Is “manggagawa” still a term that resonates with this group, or does it now feel outdated or even too closely associated with leftist ideologies? It’s essential to understand whether the segments identify as “manggagawa” or if they view themselves differently, perhaps through their specific industry or personal experiences. Recognizing this could be the key to refining Espiritu’s targeting strategy.

Targeting the Right Audience: Conversion Beyond Awareness

With a focus on the manggagawa, it’s crucial to not only raise awareness about the candidate but to also convert that awareness into votes. According to the latest data, Espiritu has an awareness rate of 16%. While this indicates that a decent portion of the electorate recognizes him, awareness alone is insufficient for electoral success.

The next step is to assess how many of those aware voters will actually vote for him. This is known as the conversion rate. From the data, we can deduce that for every 10 people who know Luke, only about 1.1 people will vote for him. This is a very low conversion rate, indicating that there’s a significant gap between recognition and actual support.

To break it down further, even though Luke’s team may be focusing on spreading his message to increase awareness, the message itself is not resonating well with the voters. The issue here isn’t solely a lack of recognition, but a disconnect between the candidate’s campaign and the electorate's values and priorities.

Positioning: The Disconnect Between the Message and the Voters

One of the core issues with Espiritu’s campaign is the positioning of his message. His promise to end contractualization and raise workers' wages to a “living wage” may sound appealing to many, but for a significant portion of the electorate, this message feels repetitive. As some voters point out, this same promise has been made by politicians in the past, but nothing substantial has changed. They criticize the government for failing to address the core issue of low wages despite the wealth of many corporations.

Moreover, some have grown skeptical of the term “manggagawa,” viewing it as a political tool rather than a genuine concern. This sentiment, often echoed by frustrated voters, suggests that many feel disillusioned and believe that politicians like Espiritu simply promise change to win votes, but fail to follow through once elected.

This is a clear sign of a messaging problem — where the campaign does not evoke a strong emotional or intellectual connection with voters. Instead of feeling like a genuine solution, Espiritu’s campaign may be perceived as just another iteration of empty promises.

The Importance of Data-Driven Strategy

While awareness is a clear issue for Espiritu, we must remember that it is not the only problem. As the data reveals, even among those who are familiar with him, the conversion rate remains too low to significantly alter his position. This means that Luke’s campaign needs to address both awareness and the content of his message.

So, what should Luke Espiritu do next? The answer lies in testing and iteration. He must refine his message and better tailor it to the specific needs, challenges, and concerns of his target segments. It’s not just about becoming more well-known; it’s about having a message that resonates and aligns with the electorate’s expectations.

A Call to Action for the Manggagawa Voters

The 40 million manggagawa in the Philippines represent a formidable force that, if united, could propel Espiritu to a top spot in the elections. But this is only possible if they believe in the sincerity and effectiveness of his message. If Espiritu’s campaign can genuinely engage this segment by addressing the issues that matter most to them — from wage increases to job security — then he stands a much better chance of converting awareness into votes.

Ultimately, awareness is just the first step. To rise above the competition, Luke Espiritu must do more than remind voters of his platform. He must deliver a message that truly resonates with their daily struggles, one that offers real, actionable solutions to the problems they face. In a political landscape where every vote counts, only a campaign that strikes the right balance of segmenting, targeting, and positioning will lead to success.

As the 2025 elections approach, Luke Espiritu must remember: the people aren’t just looking for promises; they’re looking for leadership that truly understands and prioritizes their concerns. Until his campaign proves this, he may remain among the ranks of the “unconvinced” voters, who believe that the promises of the manggagawa remain just that — promises, unfulfilled and untested.

The Deeper Mark: The Significance of Lasting Impact Over First Impressions

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"It's not important who is first in line; it's often discussed who has the deeper mark" – this Filipino saying transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. It encapsulates a universal truth about how lasting impact often outweighs the rush to be first. In life, it’s not always about who gets there first but about who makes a memorable mark that resonates through time. This notion is beautifully illustrated in various aspects of society, from social media to politics, and even in the world of film and television, where characters, stories, and lessons leave a deep, enduring impact.

Understanding the "Deeper Mark"

The term "deeper mark" refers to something that leaves an indelible impression on us – something profound that alters the course of our thinking or perspective. It could be a personal experience, a well-learned lesson, or a significant contribution that leaves a mark on society. This deeper mark is often associated with the lasting effects of actions, decisions, and words, not necessarily the speed or the initial attention they garner.

In today's fast-paced world, especially in the digital age, people often measure success by who gets there first or who gets the most attention. However, true significance is measured by depth—by how much something can influence or change a person or situation in the long run.

Real-World Examples of the "Deeper Mark"

To bring this principle into context, let’s explore some recent real-world events that align with the idea of a lasting mark, which far outweighs the initial rush or fleeting moment:

Social Media Drama: The recent incident involving Filipino celebrities Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach showcases how personal interactions, even on social media, can leave a deep impact. While discussions about who unfollowed whom sparked curiosity, what resonated with fans was the ongoing relationship between the two, and how this action impacted their public personas. Their drama shows how actions, even small ones in a sea of digital noise, can create a lasting buzz that is talked about for much longer than their initial social media confrontation.

Political Disputes: In the political arena, relationships often reflect how profound impacts can have lasting consequences. Recently, Vice President Sara Duterte and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were involved in a public spat after the First Lady criticized Duterte for laughing at an insulting remark made by her father about President Marcos. This incident not only impacted their relationship but also made waves in the political scene. The lasting effects of such confrontations have far more weight than the initial remarks themselves.

Truth in Journalism: A recent editorial titled "First, Choose Truth" underscores the importance of integrity and the long-term impact that truthful reporting has on society. Journalism is an art form that doesn't merely aim to be the first with the news; instead, it seeks to leave a meaningful impact by providing accurate, relevant, and trustworthy information. This is especially relevant in today’s era of misinformation, where the deeper mark lies in the credibility and trustworthiness of information shared.

The Deeper Mark in Movies and TV Series

The notion of a "deeper mark" is not only prevalent in real-life events but is also vividly portrayed in popular films and television shows. These stories often showcase characters who may not be the fastest, the strongest, or the first to reach a goal, but who leave a lasting impact due to their actions, decisions, or character growth. Here are some prime examples:

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): This heartwarming movie starring Will Smith shows that life isn’t about who reaches success first but about perseverance and the depth of one's determination. Chris Gardner, the character based on a real person, endures hardship and struggles, yet it is his resilience and unshakeable commitment to his son that leaves a lasting impact—not his immediate success. The deeper mark he leaves is in how he changes his life and creates a better future, not just for himself but for his child.

The Dark Knight (2008): In Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, Batman faces off against the Joker, a villain who challenges the very moral fabric of Gotham. Batman’s journey is a testament to the idea that it’s not about being the first to act but about making a choice that has a lasting impact on society. His decision to take the fall for the crimes he didn’t commit in order to protect the people of Gotham is a deep and self-sacrificial mark. It’s a classic representation of how profound decisions shape our legacy.

Breaking Bad (2008-2013): Walter White, the central character in this critically acclaimed series, begins as a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who, over time, becomes a feared drug kingpin. His actions might seem to be about securing a quick fortune, but the real "deeper mark" lies in the consequences of his decisions and how they irrevocably affect those around him. His journey is an exploration of how one's actions, however seemingly small, can echo through the lives of others long after the initial impact.

The Crown (2016-2023): This historical drama series shows the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the profound impact of her reign. The series portrays her struggles with making decisions that affect not only her family but the nation and the world. What makes her leadership stand out is not the speed at which she rose to power, but how her choices continue to reverberate through history, particularly in her leadership during times of national crisis.

The Karate Kid (1984): In this iconic film, Daniel LaRusso doesn’t win every battle quickly, nor is he the strongest fighter. What sets him apart is the depth of the lessons he learns from Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him more about life than about karate. The deeper mark here is the wisdom passed on to him that guides him in facing future challenges, proving that sometimes it’s not about getting ahead of the pack, but about what you learn along the way and how that shapes your journey.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the phrase, "It's not important who is first in line; it's often discussed who has the deeper mark," teaches us that life’s most important moments are not necessarily defined by speed or position but by the profound impact we leave behind. Whether in personal experiences, public figures, or the fictional characters we admire, what truly matters is the legacy we create through our actions, decisions, and growth.

In a world obsessed with quick wins and immediate gratification, it’s vital to remember that the deeper marks—the ones that influence, inspire, and leave a lasting impression—are what define true significance. And sometimes, the most profound impacts are made not by rushing to the front of the line, but by ensuring that what we do will be remembered for the right reasons.