A Qualitative Study of Understanding Misinformation in Senior High School Students

Abstract

The researchers aimed to learn how misinformation is spread and to know the possible answers to how it may be stopped. The research is beneficial, especially to today's generation, as they would learn more about the methods used to spread misinformation. Informants were (6) Senior High School Students from St. Mary’s College Quezon City who have been social media users for at least 2 years and experience being a victim of misinformation. The researchers found out in the study that the Senior High School respondents were misinformed in their younger years and were naïve and lacking research skills. As they grew older, they developed skills in fact-checking and verifying information on social media.

The researchers recommend that the students apply research lessons as it would benefit them and help them figure out misinformation on social media. This would not make them a victim of misinformation. Fact-checking and researching credible sources are also recommended.