And So It Begins
I recently watched And So It Begins, a documentary that focuses on then-Vice President Leni Lobredo’s campaign for president of the Philippines in 2022. Her main opponent in the race was former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Some of what was highlighted in the film was all too familiar, including the spread of disinformation online, attempts to whitewash history, and journalist harassment. Also familiar: a presidential candidate—the then-sitting vice president—who generates excitement with her candidacy and draws large, enthusiastic crowds but nevertheless goes down to defeat in the election.
One specific thing that grabbed my attention was the mention of a study out of Taiwan that concluded there is a 4-hour window to effectively counter a piece of disinformation. After that period of time passes, efforts to debunk the disinformation have little impact.
I’m not familiar with the study, but given how quickly false information can go viral and take root, the findings don’t surprise me.
Some of what was highlighted in the film was all too familiar, including the spread of disinformation online, attempts to whitewash history, and journalist harassment. Also familiar: a presidential candidate—the then-sitting vice president—who generates excitement with her candidacy and draws large, enthusiastic crowds but nevertheless goes down to defeat in the election.
One specific thing that grabbed my attention was the mention of a study out of Taiwan that concluded there is a 4-hour window to effectively counter a piece of disinformation. After that period of time passes, efforts to debunk the disinformation have little impact.
I’m not familiar with the study, but given how quickly false information can go viral and take root, the findings don’t surprise me.
