PHILIPPINES

Liberal Youth Hosts Social Media Training to Promote Truth in Digital Spaces

Under the initiative of Liberal Youth, the youth organization of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, a major endeavor was launched to address one of today's most pressing issues related to technology and social media, disinformation.

The organization, which advocates for liberal reforms on issues such as youth political participation, economic freedom, education, and human rights, partnered with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines and BUILD (Bridging Unity and Inclusiveness through Leadership in the Digital Age) Pilipinas. BUILD is a community committed to combating disinformation and promoting unity and inclusivity in the Philippines.

This collaboration resulted in a series of social media training workshops, titled “Mastering Content Creation for Viral Success”. The workshops were held in Metro Manila on June 22-23, July 27-28, August 24-25, and September 28-29, 2024. These sessions were designed for aspiring and current content creators, as well as influencers, to help them craft content that not only captures attention but also combats disinformation and promotes truth in the digital space.

The workshops also aimed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of disinformation, its impact, and the common tactics used by those spreading false narratives online. In addition, attendees learned how disinformation affects both individuals and society, gaining the tools to counter such misleading content effectively.

A key focus of the training was to help participants understand what makes content viral. Through the sessions, they explored essential elements such as emotional appeal, shareability, authenticity, and relevance to current trends. Participants also gained practical skills in creating engaging content across various formats, including text, images, videos, and interactive media. They were taught how to craft attention-grabbing headlines, use storytelling techniques, and incorporate visual elements to enhance engagement.

In addition to content creation, the workshop covered the importance of understanding target audiences. Participants learned how to analyze audience preferences and behaviors to tailor their content for specific demographic groups. This knowledge will help them create content that resonates deeply with their followers.

The ethical side of content creation was also a major focus. Participants were taught the importance of accuracy, transparency, and accountability in their work. They learned how to maintain journalistic integrity and avoid unintentionally contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Another vital aspect of the workshop was the ability to measure content effectiveness. Participants explored how to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reach, engagement, and sentiment, and how to use data insights to refine their content strategies over time.

Throughout the workshop, participants had opportunities to collaborate with their peers, exchange best practices, and engage in discussions on how to combat disinformation through social media. They were also encouraged to network with industry experts and explore potential partnerships for future initiatives.

The training included various modules focused on identifying successful social media pages, setting smart goals in content creation, understanding algorithms, and conducting research to create viral content. The workshop also provided insights on choosing a niche, defining its value to audiences, and analyzing the most successful pages within that niche. Additional sessions covered story structure for content scripts and 26 proven strategies to enhance content virality. A hands-on video editing session followed, where participants learned tips and techniques for editing content using platforms like Facebook Reels, TikTok, and CapCut.

Looking ahead, LY is committed to maintaining the momentum generated by these workshops. The organization plans to expand its outreach to further empower individuals and groups to navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With this commitment, LY aims to continue making a positive impact in the realm of social media, encouraging truth and fostering informed engagement.

This article is written by Pie Escobar, the Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippine Office.