Senator Pia's statement vs. hoax messages

Within these past few days, we have been witnesses to how efficient technology, specifically the social networking sites, in information dissemination. Moments after the Tsunami hit Japan's East Coast last Friday, my Twitter timeline became flooded with informations. However, these informations may or may not be true, depending to the sources where it came from. Few days ago amidst the radiation scare, the country was alerted by messages indicating that there will be a radiation rain that will happen around 4PM. While the traditional form of media clears this again and again, the scare had established a confusion already resulting to the suspension of classes of a university in Manila and several schools outside the Metro. Thus, as we have been a witness of the efficiency of technology in spreading news, we also endanger ourselves in spreading viral information with no factual basis.

Below is the press release of Senator Pia Cayetano on hoax messages titled When in Doubt, Don't Spread it. Listen to the Experts!

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today advised the public not to panic over hoax text messages that started circulating this week spreading rumors that deadly radiation from earthquake-stricken nuclear plants in Japan had already reached Philippine territory and is directly threatening the health and safety of Filipinos.

“People should remain calm and vigilant by staying abreast of news developments instead of panicking over baseless text messages such as those warning of radiation and acid rain allegedly caused by the nuclear plant incidents in Japan that had supposedly reached our country,” said Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on health and Demography.  

 “Let us use instant messaging technology to share useful information only, and not to contribute to social anxiety by forwarding unscientific and baseless rumors. In case of doubt as to the source and veracity of any information we receive, we should simply not spread it. Instead, we should refer to official advisories from known authorities such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PAGASA and the Philippine Nuclear Research institute (PNRI) which are regularly reported through the media.

“Suffice it to say, these government agencies should always be pro-active in educating and informing the people on these issues and should never allow rumor-mongers to overtake them.” #

Demented Little Boy joins the call against hoax messages. As like any other developments of technology, we should be responsible enough in handling our messaging platforms and our social networking account. Let us not spread false messages because it causes unnecessary panic which in turn takes toll on our own precious resources. 

xoxo