Scroll through your family group chat on Viber or Facebook Messenger, and chances are, you have seen it: A forwarded post about a miracle cure from a supposed doctor, a political claim with no source, or a blurry screenshot of “breaking news” about a certain socio-political issue. More often than not, these are shared not by Gen Zs or Millennials, but by our titos, titas, and even our lolos and lolas — people aged 55 and up who mean well, but may not always be equipped to tell fact from fiction in the digital age.

The truth is, our older generation did not grow up with the internet. They come from a time when news came from trusted anchors and printed newspapers, not from meme pages or anonymous TikTok or YouTube accounts. Today’s online world — fueled by algorithmic echo chambers and rabbit holes and increasingly, AI-generated content — moves fast and often blurs the line between truth and manipulation. And because our elders are among the most active content sharers online, their digital choices can carry real-world consequences.

This is not about blame. It is about support and empowerment. It is about the role that our elders play in how news spread.

We need to help them, not just because we love and honor them, but because they hold enormous influence within families and communities. Their voices shape conversations at the dinner table, at church gatherings, and at the barangay level. When they unknowingly pass on disinformation, it ripples. But if we help them become more discerning, they can just as powerfully become truth-bearers and defenders of what is true.

So how do we do it?

Start by meeting them where they are. Barangays, churches, senior centers, health centers, even sari-sari storefronts — these are perfect venues for holding casual, friendly, and informal chats and workshops on spotting fake news. Use real-life examples from local news and show them how to ask basic questions: Who posted this? Where did the information come from? Is it trying to scare or anger me? Is the information available in other sources?

We can also encourage our schools and youth groups to help their own grandparents navigate the new world of media and content. Teaching the youth to guide the elders with patience in navigating the web and the world of social media and AI-generated content will only bear positive fruits for us in our fight against manipulated narratives and fake news. After all, learning should not stop at any age — and many of our seniors appreciate being guided with respect and care.

At a time when truth is under attack and manipulated narratives spread like wildfire, helping our older generation develop digital discernment is one of the most important things we can do not just for them, but for all of us. When their wisdom is powered by discernment, they become a powerful force for good.

The time for us to act is now.

To the Filipino Gen Zs and Millennials: Share your tech skills with compassion. Offer to teach, not to mock. Your lola, your uncle, your neighbor — nthey need your help.

To the government: Embed digital literacy in public education and community programs, not just for students but for adults and seniors. Support barangay-level efforts and partner with trusted community leaders at the grassroots to empower people to question what they see on social media.

To schools and universities: Integrate media literacy and intergenerational learning into both formal educational curricula and other outreach programs that bring students and elders together for mutual growth and understanding.

To private companies: Fund initiatives that fight misinformation and support employee volunteerism in digital literacy. This is part of your social responsibility.

The fight against fake news is a collective one. And it begins by ensuring no one is left behind, especially those who helped raise and shape us.

Let us empower our elders to stand on the side of truth, with us, not apart from us.