A’TIN is known the world over for their undying love, passion, and dedication to SB19. Whenever news or updates about the group surfaces and spreads online, it is very easy to get excited seeing their names, their achievements, and share them immediately with their fellow fans, friends, and family. It is a wonderful feeling to share it with people who love Mahalima, after all; however, it has come to the attention of some netizens that something is amiss.
Lately, there have been instances where unverified and falsified information has made the rounds within the fandom. Some of them range from clickbait titles to unverifiable achievements to even complete and utter lies. While it may feel harmless to some, fake news can lead to misunderstandings and confusion, not just among fans, but also for SB19. It may even cause tension with other fandoms as well. This is where the message of “Umaaligid,” SB19’s collaboration song with Sarah Geronimo, sheds light on the matter, reminding us to stay grounded and vigilant. It is a powerful reminder that not only applies to relationships, but also how we handle information online, and is the inspiration for this article.
The importance of verifying information now more than ever
It is one thing if news that is being shared only has some erroneous information like getting some details wrong, specifically like dates or minor typos. Those can always be fixed. The problem comes with rumors. Some of these rumors have begun to circulate within the community that have been doing more harm than good. There are rumors, for example, that claim that certain groups have paid to be allowed to do so-and-so, or that SB19 was the first to be invited when there is no word about it. Unless stated from official sources, these are only hearsay and are completely baseless.
While these types of rumors are flattering or may even sound intriguing for A’TIN or other fan bases, we need to ask ourselves if any of this information is accurate. If we share this type of information without verifying them, we are unintentionally spreading misinformation. As A’TIN, we need to be extra vigilant to stop the spread of this false information. Before sharing news, ask yourself the following questions:
“How was this information discovered? Was it through a reputable news outlet or website?”
“Can I find this information elsewhere?”
“Did SB19’s official pages or concert venues themselves announce this?”
“Is there a clear, traceable source that the information leads back to?”
If the answer to any of these questions isn’t clear, think twice. The safest move is to not share the information at all.
The internet is flooded with information. It can be tricky to find information on particular topics, especially when you are trying to verify specific information on rumors you are trying to verify. Not every platform or creator can provide verified information so it is wise to know where you should check.
Where you should avoid information
Wikipedia – The danger in citing wikipedia for verifying information is that anyone can edit any page. All it takes is for one person to update a page with misinformation for the page to be considered false. It is also prone to errors.
AI – While AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI are useful in gathering information, it often generates inaccurate answers, sometimes without citing official sources. You cannot just take the answers AI generates and present them as 100% accurate without doing your own research to ensure it is correct and verifiable.
YouTube Content Creators – This needs context. Unless the content creator is directly connected to a legitimate media content or if they cite their sources properly, their content may be based only on speculation. There are creators who are legitimate and do their best to be accurate. It is up to the viewer’s judgement to dig further.
Popular pages with many followers – Just because a person or group has a huge following doesn’t automatically mean that their information is accurate. Similar to content creators, unless they cite their sources properly or are directly tied to legitimate media content, be very careful.
Official announcements – These may be in different forms. Some may come from a venue’s official Facebook/Instagram post or reel, an official link from their website, or announced in various forms of media.
Verified news outlets – These can be headlines or articles from a news outlet’s official website, social media post, or even their YouTube/TikTok account.
SB19’s or their management’s official accounts – The same can be true for other artists as well, not just SB19. You can always trust announcements and posts that come directly from the group.
Importance of being meticulous and questioning sources
Simply saying “we don’t believe in fake news” is not enough in this day and age because it is all around us. We need to understand why we have to be meticulous and its importance. Misinformation can quickly snowball into something big, inciting emotions that run high in fandoms where everyone wants to be the first to share information. A small lie, even if it just starts as a harmless rumor, can become very damaging not just to A’TIN, but towards SB19 (or any other group). It could create a needless fan war and hate when all SB19 ever wants is for people to come together and enjoy P-pop.
When we don’t question the information being presented to us, we allow those that intentionally spread these false rumors to win. Suddenly, lies become presented as truth as it’s being shared everywhere, and even A’TIN starts to believe it. That’s how fake narratives are born. At the heart of it, we do this not just to protect ourselves as fans, but SB19 themselves. Fake news can destroy their reputation, twist details that overshadow their hard work, and reflect badly on A’TIN. We always choose to showcase our mahalima with facts and truths so they can continue to do what they love and share their bond with fans. We need to do better.
Closing thoughts
Navigating the internet’s sea of information can be a very perilous journey if you don’t know what information is true or not. Thankfully, more and more A’TIN are becoming aware of the spread of misinformation, as seen by the reaction of fans who take the time to verify information. At the heart of this all is what SB19 and Sarah Geronimo’s collaboration song, “Umaaligid,” sang about.
When you feel the lies creeping in your mind and the truth is hard to find, remember to stay sharp, careful, and responsible with what you share. “Fake news, they shake views and make fools. And snakes choose to taint clues to make truth.” Always remain vigilant, A’TIN, and only spread truths. We want the world to see SB19 as the hardworking, genuine artists that they are. We need to make sure that part of that is making sure fake news does not get in the way of their story.
Speaking of “Umaaligid,” let’s take a listen to SB19 and Sarah G’s collaboration song and be reminded of its deeper meaning.
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