Jaehwa Bernardo

Broadcast journalist Karen Davila speaks at the Campus Patrol event at the University of Asia and the Pacific, October 14, 2025. Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Go beyond headlines, think critically, students told at Campus Patrol

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761107724070KD.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Broadcast journalist Karen Davila speaks at the Campus Patrol event at the University of Asia and the Pacific, October 14, 2025. Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — In an age when information is just a click away, veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila urged students to take a more discerning and active role in how they consume and share news.Speaking at a recent Campus Patrol event at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&amp;P), Davila underscored the importance of critical thinking, especially among the youth navigating today’s fast-moving digital landscape.Campus Patrol is ABS-CBN News’ media literacy campaign and campus tour, where students gain hands-on experience in live production — from stage management, directing, and lighting, to camera work, hosting, and reporting. The event also features talks on various aspects of news, information, and digital literacy.“Kahit tayo ay nasa digital age, dapat magkaroon ng balanse,” she said. “Maraming puwedeng pagkunan ng impormasyon at kaalaman na hindi na naiisip ng maraming kabataan ngayon.”(Even if we’re in the digital age, there should still be balance. There are many sources of information and knowledge that young people don’t think of anymore.)In an era dominated by social media feeds, viral trends, and algorithm-driven content, Davila challenged students to go beyond the surface — to read books, explore opinion pieces, volunteer, and immerse themselves in diverse experiences to become more informed citizens.“Nakakabobo!” she said, referring to the dangers of overreliance on AI chatbots like ChatGPT and excessive cellphone use.(It makes you dumb!)The TV Patrol anchor emphasized that not all information is created equal, pointing out that social media posts cannot be equated with well-researched news stories.“News matters to all of them. Information is not equal. Hindi porket ang isang impormasyon ay nakukuha sa isang social media site, pareho na ito sa article at news piece,” Davila said.“Iba ang pinagdadaanan ng isang istorya na umeere sa balita.”(Just because information comes from a social media site doesn’t mean it’s the same as a proper article or news piece. A story that airs on the news goes through a much more rigorous process.)For Davila, digital tools should not only be used for entertainment, but also for education and civic engagement.“When you’re on social media, be on educational sites, legitimate news sites — sites that will give you a deeper understanding of issues,” she said.At the heart of her message is a call to action for the youth to care about what’s happening around them.“Mahalaga sa estudyante to be discerning but also to be involved and passionate. Dapat may pakialam ang estudyante.”(It’s important for students to be discerning, but also involved and passionate. Students should care.)<div> GO BEYOND HEADLINES</div>Campus Patrol aims to reawaken the youth’s understanding of truthful, ethical, and responsible journalism. By placing students at the center of news gathering and storytelling, the campaign nurtures appreciation for credible reporting in an era where misinformation spreads fast.In her separate talk, ABS-CBN News Digital Editorial Head Miranda de Quiros urged students to read beyond headlines and take time to understand the full story.“Marami ang kapag nakita na nila ang title, okay na sila, kuntento na sila, hindi na nila babasahin ang kabuuan,” De Quiros said.(Many people stop at the title. They feel content and don’t read the rest of the article.)“Pero ang headline, maliit na bahagi lang siya ng buong istorya, so mahalagang binabasa natin ‘yong buong istorya — doon natin makikita ang buong impormasyon,” she added.(But a headline is only a small part of the story, so it’s important to read the entire article — that’s where you’ll find the complete information.)De Quiros reminded students that staying informed is a civic duty, particularly at a time when misinformation, AI-generated content, and deepfakes can easily distract or deceive.“Responsibilidad nating malaman kung ano ‘yong nangyayari sa paligid natin — hindi lang ‘yong ‘Walang Pasok,’ hindi lang kapag bagyo, pero lahat ng mga nangyayari, kabilang ang sa gobyerno at lipunan,” she said.(It’s our responsibility to know what’s happening around us — not just class suspensions or typhoon updates, but everything, including what’s going on in government and society.)

In an age when information is just a click away, veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila urged students to take a more discerning and active role in how they consume and share news.

In an age when information is just a click away, veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila urged students to take a more discerning and active role in how they consume and share news.