How fake news is keeping you from the life you deserve

Consciousness about the quality of life I’ve experienced in Europe over the last few months is often accompanied by uncontrollable, mostly unwelcome enlightenment about the direct correlation of individual life quality and politics at large. Consequently, I began to realize why fascist leaders weaponize systematic misinformation and emotional manipulation as the primary means of suppression.

Misinformation does not merely undermine facts. Ultimately, it divides public opinion so that people are fighting against each other instead of mobilizing for the same cause. When no majority has or accepts the right information, division and chaos permeate. The line becomes blurry between right and wrong, and most resort to “respect my opinion” as the default response even when justice is clear in its stance. On the other hand, apathy becomes necessary for survival. Of this, I am in deep guilt - both hands benefiting never the marginalized, always the oppressor.

Beyond societal division, the consequences are far more severe on the individual level than most people recognize. Expectations are lowered, partisan politics demand that a side is picked, and you become a soldier of your choice no matter what. Pride dictates never to retract. Even the realm of what is believed to be possible narrows. “Mas malala nung time ni ano,” “Wala namang hindi corrupt, at least eto may natutulungan.” While it is true that even philosophy legitimizes the “lesser evil”, such is hardly attainable when right and wrong are determined by one’s biases and opinions instead of moral and ethical standards.

A nation of people relying on the wrong information, preoccupied with demonizing each other, will never muster enough courage and strength to fight against the true oppressor. That has always been the goal.

Misinformation, in this context, is not just about falsehood; it is about distraction. It diverts attention from structural injustices and convinces people that poverty is natural, that corruption is cultural, that progress is unattainable. It is for this reason that access to knowledge, education, and diverse cultural exposure is an enemy to the perpetrator.

Living, even temporarily, in a place that emerged victorious from occupation and managed to build functioning, socially beneficial institutions paves way to the realization that postcolonial recovery is possible. That safe streets, equal opportunities, healthy and reasonably priced food stocked on local groceries, and efficient transport systems are not luxuries reserved for the developed world - a concept so foreign and intimidating, it became a counter-argument for the pursuit of good governance in itself. They are the result of political will, fought for and won by an informed nation of people who demanded accountability, justice, and action.