Cartoon by: Alexa Robil
Published by: Jellyssa Boniza
Date Published: May 20, 2026
Time Published: 8:31 AM
In recent weeks, the debate between journalists and influencers has intensified following public discussions during YSpeak 2.0 involving actor Elijah Canlas and reality personality Ralph de Leon on whether influencers should be held to the same standards as journalists. During the discussion, Ralph emphasized the growing power of online personalities, stating, “Influencers influence people; that’s why they’re called influencers.” His statement reflects today’s reality: social media creators now shape conversations, opinions, and even public beliefs as strongly as traditional media outlets. As digital platforms dominate how information is consumed, society increasingly turns to creators who discuss news, offer opinions, and frame narratives online.
Yet influence alone should not be mistaken for credibility.
While influencers and journalists both hold the power to shape public opinion, they are not built on the same foundations. Journalism is grounded in ethics, verification, and accountability. Journalists do not simply publish information for engagement—they are expected to confirm facts through interviews, multiple sources, and evidence before reporting. Newsrooms operate under editorial standards where claims are reviewed, corrections are issued, and reputations are placed at risk when false information is spread. In many cases, journalists may face legal consequences, public scrutiny, or professional sanctions if they fail to uphold these responsibilities.
Influencers, on the other hand, often work independently—driven by engagement, relatability, and personal branding. Their content may be entertaining and accessible, but accessibility should never excuse the absence of verification. Unlike journalists, creators are not always required to pass information through editors or fact-checking systems before publishing content to millions of viewers.
This distinction matters now more than ever. In an age where misinformation spreads faster than facts, society cannot afford to confuse popularity with reliability. A creator with millions of followers may command attention, but reach alone does not guarantee responsibility. When inaccurate claims go viral, the consequences can be serious: false narratives can mislead voters, create public panic, damage reputations, and influence decisions based on misinformation rather than truth.
There is no denying that influencers have transformed the modern media landscape, particularly among younger audiences who consume information through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Many creators now discuss political issues, social concerns, and current events, making complex topics easier to understand and more relatable to ordinary people. In some cases, influencers help spark meaningful conversations that traditional media struggle to initiate.
However, relatability must not replace responsibility.
When journalists fail to verify information, the public can lose trust in institutions built to protect truth. But when influencers spread unverified claims, misinformation often travels faster because of algorithms that reward virality over accuracy. One misleading post can reach millions within hours, shaping public opinion before facts have the chance to catch up. In today’s digital environment, the consequences of careless content are no longer harmless—they affect elections, public health, and social unity.
The growing dominance of influencers should not weaken the public’s trust in journalism. Society still needs institutions committed to seeking truth, verifying evidence, and holding power accountable—especially on issues involving governance, public safety, and national concerns. Journalism exists not simply to gain views but to inform citizens accurately and responsibly.
Still, this conversation should not be reduced to a battle between journalists and influencers. The goal is not competition but accountability. Influencers who discuss serious public matters must recognize the weight of their platforms by practicing fact-checking, citing credible sources, and correcting misinformation when mistakes occur. At the same time, media institutions must adapt to changing audiences by becoming more accessible and engaging in digital spaces where young people actively consume information.
But responsibility does not end with journalists or influencers—it begins with the audience. Readers must stop treating virality as proof of truth and learn to question what appears on their screens. Schools should strengthen media literacy, educators must teach critical thinking, and policymakers should support efforts against online misinformation. In a world where falsehood spreads with a single click, silence and ignorance are no longer harmless.
The question is no longer who shapes public opinion—journalists or influencers—but who protects the truth. As consumers of information, society must demand responsibility from everyone with a platform. Views may trend, followers may grow, and opinions may shift—but truth, accountability, and credibility must never become optional.
REFERENCES:
[1] Ahmed, K. (2025, October 10). Drawing the line between influencers and journalists. Inquirer Net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/186638/drawing-the-line-between-influencers-and-journalists
[2] Martirez, S. (2025) Journalists vs. Influencers: Who Shapes Public Opinion Today?. Global Media Journal, 23:77. https://www.globalmediajournal.com/open-access/journalists-vs-influencers-who-shapes-public-opinion-today.php?aid=95697
[3] Mallorca, H. (2026, May 11). Elijah Canlas, Ralph de Leon on influencers, journalists. Inquirer Net. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/668569/elijah-canlas-ralph-de-leon-on-holding-influencers-to-same-standards-as-journos/amp
[4] Calibud, A. (2026, May 11). Elijah Canlas vs Ralph De Leon: Should Influencers Be Held to the Same Standards as Journalists? Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/11/elijah-canlas-ralph-de-leon-debate-influencer-accountability-on-yspeak-20
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