Nowadays, no one is spared from the spread of fake news, a seem-to-be endless plague that seeks division, deception, and worse, chaos. The maladies seem to continue even in our personal spaces, and the number one targets are our social media accounts. Numerous sites harbor misinformation-spliced and fabricated videos and photos.

If we do not verify the veracity of its sources, we will end up like many others who fall into the trap of misinformation.

Eradicating Fake News

Pope Francis, in his message for World Communications Day that was published in 2018, offered a way on how to eradicate the spread of misinformation:

”… The most radical antidote to the virus of falsehood is purification by the truth.”

At this point, what Pope Francis suggests is that we need to seek truth because it calls for communion, a relationship that demands discernment. Seeking truth will truly expels us from the mockery of misinformation.

Another good point from Pope Francis' message is that journalists as the protectors of news have their mission not just to inform people but to form people- by ensuring pieces of information communicated are from real sources.

Seeking the Truth

It is when we seek the truth, we also seek the one and true God: “I am the truth” (John 14:6). God, Himself is the channel of fairness, and justice. If we allow ourselves to follow God, we are allowing Him to enrich our minds and souls, a gift that seeks both sides and not just favors one side, a gift most often we forget- dialog.

When we seek truth, we seek God. God promotes peace, goodness, and trust. His words are truthful and intend no harm nor division. The 2018 World Communications Day reminds us to engage in healthy dialog where there's no room for misinformation to grow.

The truth will set you free (John 8:32), if we seek God, we are also seeking truth.

Arvin Valencia

NOTE: This post was originally published from the Diocese of Antipolo website in 2018.