Abstract:
Mass media acts as one of the main agents of socialization. As molders of our values and
information systems, mass media proves to be a dominant force in society, particularly in the
area of politics. It also continues to expand as more forms of media are introduced to the public,
with social media being one of the most popular and accessible platforms up to date. Social
networking sites like Facebook, Tiktok, and YouTube allow users to create, share, and consume
content with just one click. Unlike in conventional media where content is more monitored and
filtered, news and other information offered in social media is broader and has a wider audience
reach. Because it is easier to engage online, this gives more room for misinformation and
disinformation to thrive. In this paper, the researchers aim to identify how misinformation and
disinformation alter and shape the political perceptions and preferences of Gen Z voters in Metro
Manila. Focusing on the lived experiences of Filipinos on social media, this study will be
conducted using a constructivist approach to establish how one’s interactions and engagements
online, particularly their content consumption, impact their political attitudes.
