Gen Z Embraces "Miles in Love": A Viral Campaign Combats Disinformation with Edutainment
In the Philippines, a unique and engaging video series titled "Miles in Love" is making waves among Gen Z, tackling the pervasive issue of online disinformation with a creative and relatable approach. Developed by John Kelly Alpapara, a media and information literacy advocate, this innovative project has garnered over 1.5 million views and 40,000 reactions on Facebook, demonstrating the power of edutainment to capture the attention of young audiences. Hosted on the Facebook page of The Stateans, the official student publication of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), the series cleverly integrates fact-checking and critical thinking skills into a captivating narrative, resonating deeply with its target demographic.
Alpapara’s inspiration for "Miles in Love" stemmed from his participation in the "Movers For Facts" media and information literacy workshops, a collaborative initiative by Rappler, #FactsFirstPH, and DW Akademie. This project, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, provided Alpapara with the knowledge and tools to effectively combat the spread of disinformation, especially among young Filipinos. Armed with this newfound expertise, Alpapara embarked on creating a series that would not only educate but also entertain, effectively engaging Gen Z in a conversation about the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.
The narrative revolves around Miles, a teacher who experiences a life-altering head injury. This incident transports him back to his student days, armed with the fact-checking and critical thinking skills he acquired as an adult. This unique premise allows Miles to not only correct past mistakes but also address a significant error that impacted his love life. The series seamlessly weaves in concepts of fact-checking, digital hygiene, and media consumption habits, making it both informative and entertaining. The acronym MILES, standing for Media and Information Literacy for Empowered Stateans, cleverly connects the protagonist’s name to the series’ core message.
The production of "Miles in Love" was a collaborative effort, with Alpapara enlisting the talents of student journalists from The Stateans as both cast and crew. This student involvement ensured that the series resonated authentically with its target audience. Each episode tackles different facets of disinformation and its impact, from its spread among students to its potential to damage relationships and lead to online scams. The series utilizes relatable scenarios to demonstrate the real-world implications of misinformation, making the lessons more impactful for young viewers.
The first episode vividly illustrates how disinformation infiltrates student life at CBSUA and its subsequent negative consequences. This episode sets the stage for the series, highlighting the importance of critical thinking in navigating the digital landscape. The second episode showcases Miles leveraging his skills in spotting AI manipulation, demonstrating how these techniques can be used to preserve trust and integrity in relationships. This episode emphasizes the increasingly sophisticated nature of online deception and the need for media literacy.
The third episode takes a darker turn, focusing on the dangers of online scams. Miles assists a friend who has fallen victim to such a scheme, leading to a shocking revelation for himself. This episode underscores the potential real-world harm of online misinformation and emphasizes the importance of vigilance and critical evaluation of online content. Throughout the series, the narrative expertly balances entertainment with educational content, making it both captivating and informative for viewers.
The success of "Miles in Love" highlights the effectiveness of using creative storytelling and relatable characters to engage young audiences in complex topics like media literacy and critical thinking. By embedding these crucial skills within a compelling narrative, Alpapara has created a highly impactful campaign that resonates deeply with Gen Z. The series’ viral reach underscores the need for innovative and engaging approaches to combat the spread of disinformation, particularly among younger generations. "Miles in Love" serves as a powerful example of how edutainment can successfully bridge the gap between education and entertainment, empowering young people to become more discerning consumers of information.
The "Miles in Love" series has sparked a wider conversation about media literacy and the importance of fact-checking, demonstrating the potential of collaborative initiatives to effectively combat disinformation. The project’s success is a testament to the power of community engagement and the crucial role of media and information literacy education in empowering citizens to navigate the complex digital landscape. The ongoing conversation within the #FactsFirstPH chat room in the Rappler Communities app further underscores the project’s impact and its potential to inspire other creative campaigns promoting critical thinking. The series stands as a shining example of how innovative approaches to media literacy can effectively engage young audiences and equip them with the essential skills to navigate the challenges of the digital age.