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    REACTION PAPER Maria Ressa's Eye-Opening Article, "Weaponizing The Internet,"

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    jeonax97

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    REACTION PAPER Maria Ressa's Eye-Opening Article, "Weaponizing The Internet,"

    Uploaded by

    jeonax97
    7 views2 pages

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    REACTION PAPER Maria Ressa's eye-opening article, "Weaponizing the Internet,"

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    7 views2 pages

    REACTION PAPER Maria Ressa's Eye-Opening Article, "Weaponizing The Internet,"

    Uploaded by

    jeonax97

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Media and Information Literacy

    REACTION PAPER

    Unveiling the Web of Deceit

    In the age of information and digital connectivity, the power of the internet has been harnessed to
    influence public opinion in ways we could never have imagined. Maria Ressa's eye-opening
    article, "Weaponizing the Internet," unveils a disturbing reality in the Philippines where
    propaganda techniques, disinformation, and manipulation have been employed to shape public
    perception. This paper delves into the article's insights, focusing on the alarming rise of
    propaganda, and how it poses a grave threat to democracy.

    The main argument presented in Ms. Ressa's article is the pervasive use of propaganda on the
    internet to manipulate public opinion. It's exemplified by the case of an anonymous Facebook
    account that shared an old story to create a false impression, emphasizing the problem of
    fallacious reasoning and the poisoning of the well. In another instance, the article highlights how
    false information is used to discredit critics of the government's "war on drugs." These examples
    illustrate the power of disinformation campaigns to influence perceptions and reinforce the
    government's agenda.

    One striking example is the case of an old Rappler story being shared to deceive readers into
    believing it was recent. The alteration of the post's timestamp served to mislead the public,
    shaping their opinion to favor President Rodrigo Duterte's government. Another example
    highlighted is the misuse of a photo from Brazil to advance an unrelated narrative, exposing the
    extent of false information propagated online. These instances demonstrate how disinformation
    campaigns are a potent weapon for undermining trust in legitimate news sources and shaping
    public perception.

    Additionally, the article points out the utilization of fake accounts and bots to amplify this
    propaganda. Paid trolls, operating individually or in networks, use these tools to flood social
    media with manufactured content that exploits the algorithms driving these platforms. The result
    is a social media environment rife with confusion and doubt, sowing division among citizens and
    stifling meaningful public discourse.

    In conclusion, "Weaponizing the Internet" by Maria Ressa shines a spotlight on the insidious use
    of online propaganda and disinformation campaigns to manipulate public opinion. The article
    underscores the alarming reality of how political advocacy pages and individuals exploit the
    internet's strength and social media algorithms to advance their agendas. It is a call to action for
    all citizens to be vigilant and critical consumers of information.

    In a world where digital influence is growing, understanding the tactics used to shape our
    opinions is crucial. The article demonstrates the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of
    information and protect the democratic values that are under threat. The battle for truth and
    democracy in the digital age has never been more vital, and this article serves as a poignant
    reminder of the responsibility we all share in defending these principles.

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