Maria Ressa, a prominent journalist and co-founder of the Philippine news outlet Rappler, highlights the perilous state of information in today’s world, likening it to an “invisible atom bomb.” Her assertion is that without facts, truth, and trust, democracy faces collapse. Ressa argues that social media platforms have become breeding grounds for disinformation, manipulating reality through algorithms that prioritize engagement over truth.
She emphasizes how these platforms have distorted political discourse, fostering damaging narratives and normalizing extremist views. Ressa’s experiences under the Duterte administration showcase the risks journalists face in tackling corruption and misinformation. Despite these challenges, she advocates for citizen journalism as a crucial response.
Ressa promotes a vision where individuals actively engage in reporting within their communities, helping to foster a more accountable and informed public sphere. She outlines a three-pronged strategy: demanding accountability from tech companies, nurturing investigative journalism, and building community-driven actions to combat misinformation.
The piece concludes with a call to action for local writers to participate in this community journalism initiative, emphasizing that collective efforts at the local level are essential in resisting disinformation and preserving democracy.
