Satirical content debunked by VERA Files Fact Check nearly tripled this 2022 compared to last year.
Satirical pages and satirists in the Philippines mostly imitate news graphics, quote cards, and branding of legitimate news organizations. Because of this, many Filipinos have shared satirical posts thinking these are true.
Here are three tips to discern whether an online post is satirical or not:
I. Look for a SATIRE ONLY disclaimer
Satires usually carry labels indicating their satirical nature. These can be in the form of texts written in the graphics, hashtags in captions, and disclaimers in their introduction and About pages.
II. Check for imitation of news organizations’ graphics and font
News satire is a popular format in the Philippines, and many fall for it because satirical pages mimic legitimate news organizations.
To avoid falling for satire disguised as news, check alterations on names, logos, and taglines. Watch out for grammatical errors in the quote and the post – actual news organizations are careful not to make such mistakes.
III. Beware of ridiculous or exaggerated content
If a post is too ridiculous, take a phrase from it and enter it in Google’s search bar. Sometimes, these search queries turn up with fact check articles stating the post is false or satirical.
Look for at least three news articles to verify if the funny post is true or not.
Jokes are meant to be fun. There’s a need, however, for netizens to know how to spot satirical posts to avoid misleading others or sharing incorrect and fake information.
Have you seen any dubious claims, photos, memes, or online posts that you want us to verify? Fill out this reader request form.
Sources
Inquirer.net, May mensahe si Queen Elizabeth II sa mundo sa gitna ng coronavirus pandemic, April 6, 2020
Reductress, Cute! Queen Elizabeth’s Corgis Prepare to Be Buried Alive With Her, Sept. 8, 2022
NPR, Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis will go to her son Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sept. 11, 2022
Reader’s Digest, Why Did Queen Elizabeth II Own So Many Corgis—and What Will Happen to Them Now?, Oct. 21, 2022
Africa Check, No, queen Elizabeth’s corgis won’t be buried alive with her, Sept. 14, 2022
(Guided by the code of principles of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter, VERA Files tracks the false claims, flip-flops, misleading statements of public officials and figures, and debunks them with factual evidence. Find out more about this initiative and our methodology.)
