A Philly Night with Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa
Nobel laureate journalist and author, Maria Ressa, spoke with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia at the Museum of the American Revolution on October 28. Ressa, the author of The Fight Back, talked about the challenges of self-determination in a globalized world and how pres
s freedom is under attack worldwide. The Filipina journalist and author spoke about her experiences being silenced by the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in order to prevent her from continuing her work as an independent journalist.
Technology was a significant focus for Ressa during the discussion, as she contended that the modern world has two dictators: the state and technology. Ressa asserted that with the rise of social media, independent reporting of fact and truth has become harder to come by. She continued that truth is quickly buried under a deluge of misinformation spread through AI-powered systems on Facebook and other social media outlets.
Ressa discussed how Facebook spread propaganda for Duterte and turned the former Philippine President into a “personality cult.” She noted that the manner in which Facebook supported Duterte’s rise to power is happening in the US today. Ressa expressed that similar processes of misinformation are underway in both countries and pose a threat to democratic institutions and the press. She also affirmed to her audience the responsibilities that all of us have to resist manipulation of information and continuously stand up for truth and independent information.
Ressa reinforced what she believes are the responsibilities that journalists and citizens must play in order to recognize and resist manipulation of information by governments and technology companies. She left with the message that the need for courage, accountability, independent reporting and thinking have never been more relevant in democracy than right now.
Written by: Musau Nzioki
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